From one super team to another, Juwan Howard on verge of Fab Five's first NBA title
Playing on a high-profile roster is nothing new to former Michigan basketball standout Juwan Howard.
Winning a championship on said roster, though, is a different story.
If all goes according to plan for Howard and the Miami Heat on Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 18-year NBA veteran will finally get his elusive championship.
And, it'll be the first NBA title any member of Michigan's famed Fab Five recruiting class has ever won.
Juwan Howard speaks to the media earlier this week. If the Miami Heat win an NBA title, Howard will be the first player from Michigan's famed Fab Five recruiting class to wear a championship ring.
Associated Press
Deadspin.com took a look at Howard's quiet, and long, journey to a championship, while also documenting the post-Michigan careers of fellow Fab Fivers Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Ray Jackson and Jimmy King.
Juwan Howard was always the different one. Quieter, more intellectual, old even as a teenager. While his UM teammates reinvented basketball fashion, Howard continued to rock the hi-top fade that had been on its way out for a few years. While completing an All-Rookie season for the Bullets, Howard continued to take classes and was able to graduate on time, a promise he made to his dying grandmother, who passed away the day he signed with Michigan. Steve Fisher called him "my Rock of Gibraltar," and Howard was nothing if not steady."I never wanted to be called an inconsistent player," Howard said on the eve of his final college game. "I never wanted to be one of those up-and-down guys who you never know when they'll show up."
The Heat lead the Thunder 3-to-1 in the best-of-seven NBA finals. Game 5 tips at 9 p.m. Thursday (ESPN) from Miami.
Comments
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jun 22, 2012 : 4:32 a.m.
I have a bad feeling over the whole Fab Five/Fisher experience, but I always liked Howard. What happened wasn't his fault. And he's represented himself well in the NBA. So, a big congratulations for your first title, Juwon.
vi4mi4
Fri, Jun 22, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
.. great for Juwan.. Fab Five Forever Go Blue! v
heartbreakM
Fri, Jun 22, 2012 : 12:38 a.m.
Irony that of the most highly touted and famous group of athlete-rock stars in the last 25-30 years, this is the FIRST (potential) championship for any of them. No B10 ring, no NCAA, no NBA. I guess high school for Rose and Webber, but still--surprising given that collection of talent. Always respected Juwan a lot. Couldn't go to a more deserving guy. As far as the king: though he will have earned it, does it seem the general dislike is because he took the seemingly easy way out to get his path to glory? You never saw Jordan, Isiah, Magic, Bird or any of them do that. That's why I root against that team.
mookienation
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
Jordan, Isaiah, Magic, and Bird were already surrounded by great players. Lebron had nothing to work with. It's amazing in and of itself that he got the Cavs to the finals.
greg, too
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
Seems fitting that the only one they would get would be from a guy who most people thought retired 5 years ago.
azwolverine
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 10:05 p.m.
This gives me some reason to be happy if the Heat win. I can't stand LeBron (although I don't know why...he dissed Ohio, didn't he?), but it will be nice to see Juwan get a ring.
michboy40
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
I won't watch because I don't like the self appointed king, but I will be happy for Juwan...he deserves it!
chuck
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.
GOOD FOR JUWAN ! Hopefully you will GET THE RING tonight.....