It's been 25 years since a quintet of era-defining freshmen strutted onto Michigan's campus and changed the dynamic of college basketball. The Fab Five -- comprised of Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson -- led the University of Michigan to two Final Fours and national relevance that hadn't been seen before, and hasn't been matched since at the school.
But it came with controversy, drama, NCAA sanctions and a tarnished legacy. A booster named Ed Martin was found to have made payments to players. The case was so widespread and serious, the FBI and Department of Justice were involved.
But now, with the late Martin having incurred most of the blame for the wrongdoing, Michigan is now starting to embrace its Fab Five legacy, warts and all. (The same can't be said for all of those within the Fab Five as Webber and Rose still have a cold relationship.) On Oct. 8, the school is hosting what it's calling "an academic discussion" on all things Fab Five. Three of the five members (Rose, Jackson, King) will attend.
Howard, an assistant coach with the Miami Heat, will not be able to attend. Webber's absence speaks for itself. The NCAA once mandated that the school have a 10-year period of disassociation from its former star. That punishment has long since lapsed, and Webber's made amends with the school, but not all of his former teammates.
The event will take place at Michigan's Hill Auditorium, a venue that can hold approximately 3,500 people.
"Panelists will discuss this seminal moment in the university's history -- including the players' cultural impact and the controversy that later emerged," per Michigan's press release.
We could get some newsworthy quotes from the event, as a Q-and-A is also scheduled to be part of the proceedings. What many Michigan fans want next: an acknowledgement inside Crisler Center. U of M's basketball venue once had Final Four banners hanging. The NCAA vacated those, but Michigan fans believe the school should do right by its former players and have something hanging inside Crisler that recognizes their accomplishments -- and Michigan's -- during the Fab Five era.
