What a terrific documentary about what has to be one of the most influential and incredible teams ever. A group of 18 year old kids, 4 top-11 recruits, another the #46 ranked player in the nation. Not only was it incredible for any recruiting class, but a class with SO much talent. The ability of that team, highlighted by Chris Webber, a once in a lifetime talent, to end up together was such an accomplishment for Michigan, and Juwan Howard, the guy who brought everyone else together. It's unfathomable to think of another Fab Five. A cultural revolution of teenagers who refused to be anyone but themselves. It makes me want to read the novel Fab Five again, to soak in all the significance and to further honor what five best friends accomplished, not only in the basketball world, but in our culture. Can anyone else remember who wore baggy shorts before the Fab Five? Or who had black socks and shoes before the Fab Five? It didn't happen before they blew it up. My brother was ALL OVER the Fab Five. Black Nike socks and shoes, that was all that was acceptable. Shorts a minimum of 2 sizes too big, which was great for me growing up knowing I was bigger as an 8th grader than my brother as a senior.
What's also incredible is the closeness and pain they suffered together at such a young age. I can't imagine what would have happened if I would have lost at team state as a senior when we clearly had the best team. My last football game ever was lost to a better team, something you never want to admit, but you accept a LOT easier than losing to someone you KNOW you should beat. It is a haunting I thank God I don't know the feeling of. Twice they made the Finals, twice they lost. The Buffalo Bills, arguably the Atlanta Braves, though they did win one, are the only situations I can compare to that situation where they return to a title game as favorites, only to lose painfully. I also have to mention how pissed off I am to notice that the Fab Five has been interrupted by the fucking NIT and I can hardly see the screen due to blinding rage.
Wrapping things up: If you liked the documentary, read the book Fab Five (I think it's by Mitch Albom), it's a great, in depth look at someone who spent a lot of time with that special team.
I love the fact that everyone knows Mitch Albom as the guy who wrote "Tuesdays with Morrie" and his day job is sports columnist for the Detroit Free Press.
ReplyDeleteI'm re-reading Fab Five and I question everything Mitch Albom writes, since he's been discredited as many times as Rihanna has been penetrated.
ReplyDelete