Fab Five endorses Juwan Howard for Michigan basketball job

Fab Five members Chris Webber and Jalen Rose endorse their Fab Five teammate, Juwan Howard to be the next Michigan basketball head coach.

It’s been more than 25 years since Chris Webber, Juwan Howard and Jalen Rose made it cool to wear baggy basketball shorts, but since the Fab Five broke up to go become NBA stars, they haven’t agreed on much. But they both agree Howard should be the next Michigan basketball coach.

John Beilein left the Wolverines program to take the head coaching position with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, Webber joins his former Fab Five teammate, Rose, endorsing Howard to be Beilein’s replacement. Webber sounded like his campaign manager on the Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday.

Unlike Webber, Rose has always looked back fondly on his time with Michigan, despite the major scandals that came from the Fab Five. He’s spoken openly about his time there, and still calls it the best time he’s played basketball. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, he had a very good recommendation for Howard.

"“He was a terrific high school player, McDonald’s All-American, he’s a terrific performer at Michigan, a member of the Fab Five, he was an All-Star in the NBA, he was a champion, he’s not only learned under some of the best to do it, Erik Spoelstra, Pat Riley, he also has the blessing of John Beilein… He’s also a (Jordan Brand) athlete, and that’s the shoe that the school actually wears! This is such a layup! If Juwan Howard doesn’t get that job, I’m not going to even make any blanket statements of how that’s going to make me feel.”"

It’s not surprising to hear prominent media members vouch for their former college teammates to get head coaching jobs, but it is strange for these teammates to make these statements. Webber and Rose aren’t on the same page very often, despite Rose making it very clear he wants Webber to one day come back to Michigan.

For the record, Howard seems to be one of the few candidates for this job. He’s been an assistant on the Miami Heat’s coaching staff since he retired. He said himself he’s been contacted by the firm in control of the coaching search. It’s clear Michigan wants one of their own to return to the court in their time of need.

Howard is also in the mix for some NBA openings, but a return to his alma mater could be the best job for him and Michigan basketball.