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Deep Dive: The Fab Five (2011)

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The Fab Five
The Fab Five is a documentary that chronicles the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball players known as the Fab Five: Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson. It covers their recruitment, success during the early 1990s, and the controversies surrounding their time at the University of Michigan, including the infamous timeout incident in the 1993 national championship game. The film also addresses the cultural impact of the team, which was characterized by their distinctive style, including baggy shorts and hip-hop music, and how they were perceived by the media. Directed by Jason Hehir, the film aired on ESPN on March 13, 2011, and became the highest-rated ESPN documentary ever, attracting 2.7 million viewers. It includes commentary from various media outlets and covers the legacy of the Fab Five, which was marred by a scandal that led to the removal of their Final Four banners. The documentary features insights from the players themselves and shows the tension between Jalen Rose and Grant Hill regarding race in sports, particularly during the Duke-Michigan rivalry.

Why Watch

  • •See Chris Webber's infamous timeout gaffe in 1993.
  • •Meet the players who changed college basketball fashion.
  • •Find out about the media's portrayal of the Fab Five.
  • •Follow the rivalry between Jalen Rose and Grant Hill.

Did You Know

•The Fab Five documentary aired on March 13, 2011, on ESPN.
•It attracted 2.7 million viewers, making it the highest-rated ESPN documentary.
•The film sparked a media feud between Jalen Rose and Grant Hill.
•The Fab Five had successive appearances in the NCAA championship games in 1992 and 1993.
•The documentary discusses the removal of Final Four banners due to a scandal.

Perfect For

College basketball fansSports history enthusiastsCultural impact studiesMichigan Wolverines supporters