/jp/ - Otaku Culture

In November 2003, Mitch Albom released his book Fab five: basketball, trash talk, the American dream chronicling the recruiting of and first two years of play of the Fab Five.[9] After Chris Webber left for the NBA, the team entered the season ranked fifth in the nation as it opened the season against number 13 Georgia Tech.[10] Michigan found itself with a 21–6, (13–4 Big Ten) record and tied with the Purdue Boilermakers for the conference lead with one game remaining.[11] Michigan then lost (for the third time in its last four games) to a struggling Northwestern Wildcats team,[12] and finished second in the conference.[13] After the season, Howard was selected as a first team All-Big-Ten member along with Glenn Robinson, Rose, Shawn Respert, and Damon Bailey.[14] In the opening round of the 1994 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, Howard helped Michigan survive with a 78–74 overtime victory over Pepperdine by scoring 28 points and adding 9 rebounds before fouling out.[15] In the second round, Howard posted 34 points and 18 rebounds to lead the team to a 84–79 victory over Texas.[16] Michigan faced a Joe Smith-led Maryland in the Sweet Sixteen round.[13] Howard scored 24 and had 11 rebounds before fouling out with 2:49 remaining in the 78–71 victory.[17]