Helena Frye
The Fab Four or Fab Five refers to a group of basketball players who dominated the court with their chemistry, inspiration, and friendship. The group consisted of LeBron James and his teammates Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, Sian Cotton, and Romeo Travis. They attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, a predominantly white Catholic school, to play varsity together. The film Shooting Stars, based on a book by James and Buzz Bissinger, tells the story of how the Fab Four became the No. 1 high school team in the country, launching James' career. After high school, James went on to the NBA, while his teammates pursued varying paths, including professional basketball, coaching, and rapping. The Fab Five terminology is also used to refer to the 1991 University of Michigan men's basketball team, which included Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Members | Jimmy King, Juwan Howard, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, and Ray Jackson |
| Team Name Origin | Named after the famed Michigan Wolverines "Fab Five" |
| Team Name Variations | Fab Four, Fab Five |
| School | St. Vincent-St. Mary High School |
| Team Members' Future Careers | Professional basketball players, rappers, coaches, directors of athletic programs, and foundation directors |
| Awards | Division III state title, Ohio Mr. Basketball, Gatorade National Player of the Year, NBA All-Star, Naismith College Player of the Year, Basketball Hall of Fame |
| Notable Games | Division III state title game, Division II championship game, NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship game |
| Notable Opponents | Duke University, University of North Carolina, Oak Hill Academy |
| Media Portrayals | Shooting Stars, The Fab Five, ESPN Films documentary, Hoop Dreams |
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What You'll Learn
The Fab Four switch schools to play varsity together
The Fab Four, a group of four young basketball players, were faced with the threat of being separated when the coach at their district's top basketball school, Buchtel High School, wanted to put one of them, Lil Dru Joyce, on junior varsity. Not wanting to be apart, the group, consisting of Lil Dru Joyce, Willie McGee, Sian Cotton, and LeBron James, made the decision to switch schools so they could continue playing varsity together. They chose to attend St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, a predominantly white Catholic school. This move stirred some local controversy.
At their new school, the Fab Four were joined by a former rival, Romeo Travis, who also became a teammate. Together, they formed a brotherhood, with their success on the basketball court attributed to their chemistry, inspiration, and friendship. The group went on to become the highest-rated high school basketball team in the country, with LeBron James standing out as a particularly talented player.
LeBron James, even at a young age, displayed exceptional basketball skills. By the summer before his junior year, he had grown to 6 feet 7 inches tall and was lauded as possibly "the best high school basketball player in America right now" by Ryan Jones of Slam magazine. That year, James appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming the first high school basketball underclassman to do so.
The Fab Four's journey and success are depicted in the film "Shooting Stars," which is based on a book by James and Buzz Bissinger. The movie authentically portrays the group of young men both on and off the court, showcasing their commitment to one another and their relentless pursuit of achievement. It captures the intense bond that formed the foundation of their success, both as individual players and as a team.
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LeBron James' teammates' lives after Shooting Stars
The film "Shooting Stars" portrays the real-life story of how LeBron James and his four greatest teammates, the "Fab Five," dominated on the basketball court through their teamwork and friendship, eventually becoming the highest-rated team in the country. While LeBron James went on to have a historic NBA career, the lives of his Fab Five teammates after the events of the film are less well-known. Here is what we know about their journeys:
Dru Joyce III:
Dru Joyce III, the son of Dru Joyce II, the head coach of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School's basketball team, went on to have a successful career as a professional basketball player. He played college basketball at Akron College from 2003 to 2007 and then entered the 2007 NBA Draft but was not selected. Joyce then pursued a career in Europe, playing for several professional teams in Germany. Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, becoming the associate head coach for the men's team at Duquesne Dukes. Basketball clearly runs in the family, as his father and brother are also involved in coaching.
Romeo Travis:
Romeo Travis also graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and continued his basketball career at the University of Akron, playing alongside Joyce for four years. After college, Travis took his talents overseas, playing for over 19 teams across Europe and Asia. He won various accolades during his successful career, including France's Pro A Finals MVP in 2018. Travis also represented the Macedonian national basketball team in 2016.
Sian Cotton:
Sian Cotton graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in 2003 and attended Ohio State University. He played football as a defensive lineman for their Division I team for two seasons but did not find the success he desired. Cotton then transferred to Youngstown State and later to Walsh University to pursue more playing time. In 2014, Cotton transitioned into a music career, releasing the single "Almost Home." LeBron James supported his former teammate by including the song in the basketball video game NBA 2K14, which James executive produced.
Willie McGee:
Willie McGee attended Fairmont State University after graduating from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in 2003. He played competitive football in college and earned a Bachelor's degree in Information Systems. McGee then returned to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School as the head coach of the freshman boys' basketball team and an assistant coach for the varsity team. He later became the Athletic Director at the school and also founded the D.A.L.E. Program, which focuses on helping disadvantaged youth through team athletics. In 2022, McGee took on a role with the LeBron James Family Foundation.
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The Fab Five's success and legacy
The Fab Five comprised Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Jimmy King, Ray Jackson, and Juwan Howard, and they are considered the greatest men's basketball recruiting class of all time. Their success on the court was evident as they dominated the basketball court through chemistry, inspiration, and friendship, and became the highest-rated team in the country.
The Fab Five's impact extended beyond their athletic achievements, revolutionizing the culture of basketball and American society. They empowered athletes to express themselves culturally, challenging and changing the ethos of college basketball. Their legacy is marked by their cultural catalyst for basketball culture on all levels, including the intersection of black culture and basketball. They introduced a new sense of "cool" with their fashion choices, such as baggy shorts and black socks, that resonated with people of all races.
Other members of the Fab Five also found success in basketball and other endeavours. Dru Joyce III, the son of the head coach at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, built a successful career as a professional basketball player. Willie McGee, another member, attended Fairmont State University and played competitive football before becoming a coach and then the Athletic Director at his former high school. Romeo Travis played college basketball and entered the 2007 NBA Draft but went unselected. He then pursued a professional career overseas, playing for numerous teams in Europe and Asia and achieving accolades such as France's Pro A Finals MVP in 2018.
In conclusion, the Fab Five's success and legacy are evident in their on-court dominance, their cultural influence on basketball and society, and their individual achievements. They empowered athletes to express themselves and left a lasting impact on the sport and the world, becoming a cultural catalyst for change and representation.
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The Fab Five brotherhood
The Fab Five was the first team in NCAA history to compete in the championship game with an all-freshman starting lineup. Their on-court antics were often controversial and garnered significant media attention. They led the Michigan Wolverines to two consecutive National Championship games in their first two seasons, although they never won a championship. Despite this, the Fab Five's legacy is significant, particularly in the context of the Black athlete experience in collegiate sport and cultural change.
The Fab Five had a profound impact on collegiate sports and ignited conversations about underclassmen leaving school early to enter the NBA. All five members were prominent candidates for the NBA draft, with four of them being drafted into the NBA. Webber, the first to leave school, was drafted #1 overall in the 1993 NBA draft and played for five teams over his fifteen-year career. Rose, a high school All-American, attended the University of Michigan, where the Wolverines reached two NCAA Finals games. King was drafted in the second round of the 1995 NBA draft and played for the Toronto Raptors and Denver Nuggets.
The brotherhood and camaraderie of the Fab Five extended beyond the basketball court. They were connected by more than just their shared passion for the game, and their success served as a lesson in group commitment and relentless achievement. Their story, as depicted in the film "Shooting Stars," showcases the importance of teamwork, accountability, and the power of a supportive brotherhood in achieving success and overcoming challenges.
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The Fab Five's impact on collegiate sports
The Fab Five, the 1991 University of Michigan Men's Basketball team, was a group of five "true" freshmen who had a significant impact on collegiate sports. They were the first team in NCAA history to compete in the championship game with all-freshman starters, reaching the NCAA championship game in 1992 and 1993. They challenged the dominant ideology of the Black athlete and amplified the voice of the Black athlete in NCAA athletics. They also brought attention to the intersection of Black culture and basketball, advocating for structural change within the oppressive system of NCAA athletics.
The Fab Five consisted of Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson. All five players were rated as Top 100 college prospects. Their on-court antics were controversial but trend-setting, and they garnered much media attention. They wore black athletic shoes, black athletic socks, and baggy basketball shorts, which went against conventional college basketball attire. They also listened to and recited hip-hop lyrics and wore headphones, bringing hip-hop culture to the traditionally conservative world of NCAA basketball.
The Fab Five's impact extended beyond their fashion and cultural choices. They played a fast-paced, playground-style of basketball that permeated the minds of coaches and athletes. Their style of play was associated with a perceived deviance, and their competitive language brought them together as a team. They changed the ethos of college basketball indefinitely, and their impact on the sport extended beyond their playing careers.
Juwan Howard, a member of the Fab Five, became the first and only member of the group to win an NBA championship in 2012 with the Miami Heat. After his playing career, he became an assistant coach for the Miami Heat and then the head coach at his alma mater, the University of Michigan. Chris Webber was the first of the Fab Five to leave college after his sophomore year and was drafted #1 overall in the 1993 NBA draft. He played for five teams over his 15-year career and had his #4 jersey retired by the Sacramento Kings. Ray Jackson, perhaps the least known of the Fab Five, did not make it to the NBA but found success in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and now runs a moving company and a non-profit organization that assists children.
In conclusion, the Fab Five had a significant impact on collegiate sports, challenging societal constructs, amplifying the voice of the Black athlete, and changing the cultural and fashion landscape of NCAA basketball. They left a permanent mark on the sport, and their influence continues to be felt today.
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Frequently asked questions
The Fab Four in basketball refers to a group of four childhood friends, including a young LeBron James, who called themselves the "Fab Four" after the famed Michigan Wolverines "Fab Five". The group also included Lil Dru Joyce, Willie McGee, and Sian Cotton.
After the events depicted in the film Shooting Stars, LeBron James went on to have a historic career in the NBA. Dru Joyce III also became a successful professional basketball player. Willie McGee attended Fairmont State University and played competitive football before becoming a coach and athletic director at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Sian Cotton, under the name Romeo Travis, played basketball overseas for over 19 different teams in Europe and Asia and was named France's Pro A Finals MVP in 2018.
The Fab Five was the 1991 University of Michigan men's basketball team recruiting class, considered one of the greatest of all time. The class consisted of Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson. They led the Michigan Wolverines to two consecutive National Championship games in their first two seasons and are known for their sociocultural influence as Black athletes.
