For “Fab 5” fans like myself, Mayce Edward Christopher Webber III finally getting his due as a Basketball Hall of Famer still came eight years too late.
At least it’s finally happening and for those who disagree with his selection, it just goes to show your lack of true basketball acumen.
Chris Webber aka “CWebb” was announced as part of the 2021 Hall of Fame class, which will include Paul Pierce, Ben Wallace and Chris Bosh.
During his playing career, Webber was named 1994 NBA Rookie of the Year, named to 5 All-Star teams, and five All-NBA teams. This while averaging 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game during his 15 years in the league.
READ MORE: Chris Webber Has Finally Been Welcomed Back Home At Michigan
After being drafted by the Orlando Magic and traded to the Golden State Warriors on draft night for Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, he showed his complete and rare skillset during his rookie season.
He was traded to the then Washington Bullets/Wizards after just one season, as he and then head coach Don Nelson had irreconcilable differences. Upon his arrival in DC he made basketball fun, and he was once again teamed with college teammates and good friend Juwan Howard.
They led the Bullets/Wizards franchise to the playoffs in 1997, the franchise’s first postseason appearance since 1989. They were swept by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, but all three games were highly contested.
Some off-the-court issues soured the relationship between the Bullets/Wizards and Webber. He was dealt to the Kings after the 1998 season.
In Sacramento is where he really hit his stride, instantly turning the very dormant franchise into a contender in the powerhouse Western Conference.
During his time with the Kings, the team made the playoffs in each of his six seasons he suited in the California state capital. They even made the 2002 Western Conference Finals, before succumbing to the Lakers in a seven-game series marred by some very questionable refereeing.
But his legacy will always go back to the Fab Five freshman — the collection of young Black men who took college basketball by storm in the 90s with their baggy shorts, unapologetically black demeanor, all-world talent, and audacity to challenge the systemic norm.
They changed the culture of college sports.
Webber was the leader of the vaunted Michigan Wolverines fabulous freshman that also featured Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmie King, and Ray Jackson.
This group went to back-to-back National Championship games in 1992 and 1993 as true freshman and sophomores. Something that had never been done, five true “FROSH” coming in and leading a team to a title game as starters were unheard of and never seen before.
Webber was also a standout high school player as well, winning National Player of the Year as a senior amongst many other accolades.
In addition to that, he’s been a standout announcer and media personality, who’s also one of the best interviews going.
Let’s also not forget that C Webb was nice on the music production, making beats for some of rap’s all-time greats including 2021 Grammy-winner and Hip-Hop icon Nas.
https://youtu.be/RbIUJm74PDs
He deserves this moment and I personally won’t let anyone rain on his parade.
Congrats “CWebb4.”
