It is not often you see former Michigan stars Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson in the same room.
After years apart from one another, the former college basketball stars reunited on Martin Luther King Day at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. But with Howard coaching for Michigan and his four other former teammates on the sidelines, the group reunited for a conference victory over rival Ohio State.
The historic class, four of whom were McDonald’s All-Americans in high school, was honored for their contribution to the program and to the sport.
"See Jimmy you could've gone to Michigan and been apart of the Fab Five and they would still be talking about you TODAY!" – Gus Johnson cracking jokes today 🤣
The legendary Fab Five in the house today! @umichbball pic.twitter.com/FsdZ6iUaY0
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 15, 2024
It was particularly heartwarming to see Webber and Rose reunited after the two former NBA players long had an estranged relationship with each other (via 247 Sports):
“Everybody had their own relationship. It’s no secret Jalen and I had to come together, and we have. Much earlier — it’s not about just today. It had to happen naturally,” Webber said.
“We both had to be in a place of reconciliation, have to be in a place of forgiveness. I can’t speak for Jalen, but that’s where I was. Obviously he was there too. It’s really cool to be here but it’s better to be here as family.”
Webber added that he would have waited “100 years” for a reunion if that was how long it took. He has given motivational speeches to Michigan’s team since Howard took over as head coach.
"Thank you guys for continuing to elevate the game."
Give it up for the legend, @JalenRose 🙌 @umichbball pic.twitter.com/D6cgQnjB28
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 15, 2024
Rose, who was a longtime ESPN and ABC analyst after his professional playing career, joined FOX’s broadcast to discuss the occasion.
While the reunion was understated and quiet, it was great to see these five standouts in the same building yet again.
Here is how fans reacted when they saw the legendary group together for the first time since the 1990s:
A long time coming: The Fab Five is introduced to cheers at Crisler Center pic.twitter.com/6RPiYKl0uH
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) January 15, 2024
It's so great seeing the Fab Five all back together at the Ohio State-Michigan game today 😭
— Parish Sharkey (@DaOne_PShark) January 15, 2024
Chris Webber and Jalen Rose sitting next to each other during the Michigan-Ohio State game is BIG. And I don’t think a lot of people realize that.
— Skip Westfall (@Swestfall) January 15, 2024
The Fab Five back together at Crisler Center pic.twitter.com/NVQ4sBXeLq
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) January 15, 2024
The Fab Five are here. I could be wrong, but believe this is the first time U-M has recognized them during a game. pic.twitter.com/t27Q2WxGZo
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) January 15, 2024
Do y’all understand how dope this is? #FabFive pic.twitter.com/xsHfOh8U9G
— 3 the Hardaway (@3theHardawayPod) January 15, 2024
All five members of the Fab Five are back in Crisler Arena today. It’s so nice to see C-Webb back in the building! pic.twitter.com/JnMVcBBTyt
— Wolverine Chronicle (@WolverineChron) January 15, 2024
About As West Side Detroit As You Can Possibly Get…#Hail #GoBlue #Rose #Webber #FabFive #TheOpenRun pic.twitter.com/hSvWVCvj4M
— Will Strickland (@W_Strickland1) January 15, 2024
