The Fab Five

McDonald's All-American 1991 Game

Mar 21, 1991

Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard and Jimmy King play in the 1991 McDonald's All-American Game. Those four players were ranked in the top 10 players in the nation, with Webber as #1. Many colleges try to recruit these players to promise their team a good season.

Michigan Recruiting

Sep 10, 1991

The University of Michigan recruits 4 top 10 players - Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, and Jimmy King. The 5th player they recruit is Ray Jackson, ranked #84 in the nation. Michigan had to convince these players that Michigan was the correct college for them.

Michigan vs. Detroit

Dec 2, 1991

3 of the recruits for Michigan start in the opening game, but all 5 play in the game at some point. All 5 freshmen played, which was very uncommon at the time. At this point, the players get the chance to show their talents as they represent Michigan.

Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan

Dec 7, 1991

This is the first game that all five freshmen played at the same time. This was very uncommon to have five freshmen on the court simultaneously, and since the freshmen did well many fans and the coach had faith in them.

Suspension

Feb 1, 1992

Michael Talley received a one game suspension in February. With him suspended, the Michigan starting lineup would be affected..

Michigan vs. Notre Dame

Feb 9, 1992

All five freshmen started the game and scored all 74 points for Michigan. They became known as the "Fab Five". With a winning team of 5 freshmen, Michigan gains many fans.

Michigan vs. Duke

Mar 25, 1992

Michigan plays Duke in the 1992 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship game. Michigan loses the game 71-51. Michigan gains fame for making it to the championship with five freshmen, but because they lost they couldn't advertise themselves as the 1992 champions.

Michigan vs. North Carolina

Apr 5, 1993

UNC beats Michigan 77-71 in the NCAA Divison I Final game. Chris Webber calls a time out with seconds in the game left, but a technical foul is called since Michigan had no time outs left. UNC gets two shots and the ball, sealing the win for the Tar Heels. Once again, Michigan loses in the championship round, preventing them from being champions. Chris Webber becomes infamously known for calling the time out.

University of Michigan Basketball Scandal

Sep 10, 1996

An investigation of a car accident during Mateen Cleave's recruiting trip revealed a relationship between him and the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team. With Michigan under investigation for illegal recruiting, they get a bad reputation.

Conviction

Sep 10, 2002

The NCAA found four players, including Chris Webber, guilty of compromising their amateur status. Michigan's 1992 and 1993 NCAA Final Four appearances were revoked due to illegal recruiting. Chris Webber, in addition, lost his athletic status at Michigan. Michigan was placed on probation for two years and was also not allowed to participate in the 2002-2003 postseason. Because of this, Michigan obtains a bad reputation, loses some of its acheivements, and is prevented from gaining new ones.