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Terre Haute Today
By the People, for the People
Michigan's Dusty May Pays Tribute to Legendary 'Fab Five' Before Final Four Clash
The Wolverines head coach acknowledges the lasting impact of the iconic 1990s Michigan basketball team.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:27am
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The Fab Five's enduring influence on college basketball is reflected in the current Michigan team's quest for a national title.Terre Haute TodayAhead of Michigan's Final Four matchup against Arizona, Wolverines head coach Dusty May praised the legendary 'Fab Five' squad from the early 1990s, calling them the most impactful college basketball team outside of Michael Jordan. May, who was a teenager when the Fab Five played, said the group 'changed the culture for the better of our sport' with their bravado and stellar play that led them to two national championship game appearances.
Why it matters
The Fab Five's influence on college basketball is still felt today, and May's comments show the reverence in which the iconic team is still held. As Michigan chases its first national title since 1989, the head coach is drawing inspiration from the Wolverines' past while trying to lead the current team to glory.
The details
The Fab Five - Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson and Jimmy King - were the last all-freshman starting lineup to reach the national championship game in 1992 and 1993. Though they fell short of a title, their style of play and cultural impact was unmatched, according to May. The current Michigan coach was just 15 years old when he watched the Fab Five's runs, and he now has a chance to complete what the legendary group never accomplished by bringing a championship back to Ann Arbor.
- In 1989, Michigan won the NCAA Basketball title by defeating Seton Hall.
- The Fab Five played for Michigan in the early 1990s, reaching the national championship game in 1992 and 1993 as all-freshman starters.
- In 2023, Dusty May led Florida Atlantic to a surprise Final Four appearance, but the Owls fell short of the title game on a buzzer-beater loss to San Diego State.
The players
Dusty May
The current head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team, who was a teenager watching the legendary Fab Five squad in the early 1990s.
Jalen Rose
A member of Michigan's iconic Fab Five team in the early 1990s, known for their bravado and stellar play that led them to two national championship game appearances.
Chris Webber
A member of Michigan's iconic Fab Five team in the early 1990s, known for their bravado and stellar play that led them to two national championship game appearances.
Juwan Howard
A member of Michigan's iconic Fab Five team in the early 1990s, known for their bravado and stellar play that led them to two national championship game appearances.
Ray Jackson
A member of Michigan's iconic Fab Five team in the early 1990s, known for their bravado and stellar play that led them to two national championship game appearances.
Jimmy King
A member of Michigan's iconic Fab Five team in the early 1990s, known for their bravado and stellar play that led them to two national championship game appearances.
What they’re saying
“Other than Michael Jordan...I don't think there's ever been a group [that's] changed the culture for the better of our sport [more] than the Fab Five.”
— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines
What’s next
Michigan will face Arizona in the Final Four on Saturday, April 5, 2026, with the Wolverines looking to win their first national title since 1989.
The takeaway
Dusty May's reverence for the Fab Five shows the lasting impact the iconic Michigan team had on college basketball. As the current Wolverines squad chases the program's first championship in over 35 years, the head coach is drawing inspiration from the past while trying to lead Michigan to glory in the present.
