The Fab Five

In Spring of 1991, the University of Michigan had signed what was arguably the best recruiting class in college basketball. Coach Steve Fischer signed five of the nation's top prospects - Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson. Webber and Rose were childhood friends from Detroit who blossomed into McDonald's All Americans. The 6'9" power forward, Webber, was regarded as the Nation's number one player. Rose was a tall 6'7" guard, who played like a young Magic Johnson. Howard, another McDonald's All American, was a multi-talented forward from Chicago. Texas natives King and Jackson rounded off the Fab Five Freshman. King was a super athletic guard, while Jackson was an incredible defensive player. They were the first team in college basketball to incorporate the hip-hop culture into their style. They wore baggy shorts, they shaved their heads, they had tattoos and they wore black socks with black shoes. They walked with a swagger and attitude that was never seen before in the game. They were responsible for many fashion trends and inspired many players in the way they dressed and acted. Four of the five members of the Fab Five went on to play in the NBA. Webber, Rose and Howard all went on to have long careers in the NBA and each were All Stars. Jimmy King played briefly in the NBA and also played professionally in Europe. Jackson played pro in some of the country's minor leagues and is now a business owner.