Howard, Rose & Webber Long Before The Michigan Days
Detroit Superfriends AAU
Long before they captured the nation's attention as the iconic Fab Five at the University of Michigan, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, and Juwan Howard were already turning heads on the summer circuit. The trio starred together on the Superfriends AAU team—an outrageously talented squad that some argue was even more stacked than the Fab Five itself. Swapping out Ray Jackson and Jimmy King for future NBA starting guards Voshon Lenard and Shawn Respert, the Superfriends featured five future NBA starters and a bench loaded with Division I talent. In terms of pure firepower and depth, it was one of the most formidable AAU lineups the sport had ever seen.
More than just a powerhouse team, the Superfriends were the spiritual prequel to Michigan’s Fab Five. Based in Detroit, the Superfriends program laid the groundwork for the style, swagger, and chemistry that would later define the college game's most influential freshman class. It was at a Superfriends practice where a young Chris Webber first met Jalen Rose—two 13-year-olds who would grow into basketball legends. That summer squad didn’t just dominate regional and national competition, finishing third at the 1990 AAU Nationals and losing only twice that season—it built the foundation for a cultural shift in college basketball.
“Me and Chris are both from the D, and I’ve known him since we were 12 years old, back on the 'Superfriends' AAU squad. The first time we met Juwan was at the Nike All-America Camp, the summer after 9th grade. So, the three of us were friends before anything ever happened with Michigan.” - Jalen Rose
The summer of 1985 marked the beginning of something special. "It’s not just a regular practice day for the 13-and-under squad of the local AAU set, the Superfriends. The collective of inner-city young’ns—known around Motown for their blacktop-edged guard play, especially by their cocky, left-handed pg—are hungering more than ever to win nationals, but to do so, they need big help in the paint. That’s why their coach has been trying so hard to lure, quite possibly, the state’s best preteen big man onto his roster. It’s today that the promising 12-year-old walks through the door. Mayce Edward Christopher Webber III is skinny, but he still stands over six feet and is much bigger than your average sixth grader. He rocks a nappy fro, dingy tube socks and a tight, Hawaiian Sophie-styled matching shirt and short set, courtesy of Doris Webber’s sewing machine. But instantly there’s a problem worse than his fashion statement. Chris may be key to the Superfriends’ title strategy, but he can’t be the man, not with the team’s cock-sure point holding the reins. Jalen Rose isn’t about to let go of the wheel, especially not for someone he doesn’t think can drive as well as him."
Rose, Lenard, Eisley at Perennial Power Detroit Southwestern
Three members of the Superfriends also played together during the high school season at perennial Detroit powerhouse Southwestern High School, giving the AAU squad a level of familiarity and on-court chemistry that was rare in youth basketball. In 1991, the trio led Southwestern to its second consecutive Michigan state championship. The 1990 edition of that team was so dominant, it earned a place on our list of the Top 25 High School Teams of All Time. With senior Howard Eisley running the point alongside Jalen Rose and Voshon Lenard, Southwestern had a backcourt that was as skilled and disciplined as it was competitive—setting the tone for the elite-level play that followed in their college careers.
Super Friends AAU Players
Super Friends Roster: Chris Webber (NBA), Juwan Howard (NBA), Jalen Rose (NBA), Vashon Leonard (NBA), Shawn Respert (NBA), Emmanuel Bibb (University of Detroit), Tom Kleinschmidt (DePaul), Chad Varga (Pittsburgh)
Sponsor: Converse
Coach: Curtis Hervey
Starting 5: C: Webber PF: Howard SF: Rose SG: Leonerd PG: Respert
The Class of 1991 #1 Ranked Player in The Nation
Chris Webber C/PF (NBA) Class of 1991
Chris Webber was the nation’s No. 1-ranked basketball recruit in the Class of 1991. A prodigy since age 13, he had already drawn the attention of major universities before he even entered high school. Webber’s talent was undeniable early on—he was offered a scholarship by the University of Michigan after head coach Steve Fisher saw him dunk as a 12-year-old. A standout at Detroit Country Day School from 1987 to 1991, Webber was widely considered one of the top prospects in the country as early as eighth grade. Known for his rare combination of size, athleticism, and versatility, he would go on to dominate both at the high school and collegiate levels, eventually becoming one of the NBA’s most impactful forwards. As a senior, Webber averaged an astounding 29.4 points and 13.0 rebounds per game, leading Country Day to its third MHSAA state championship during his tenure. That year, he was named Mr. Basketball of Michigan as well as the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year. He also earned MVP honors in both the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Dapper Dan Roundball Classic. At the time, Webber was the most heavily recruited high school player from Michigan since Magic Johnson. His legend began to build well before high school. “I still remember seeing him for the first time,” recalled Kurt Keener, his coach at Detroit Country Day. “They’re showing clips on this highlight show, and on the screen you see this 6-foot-5, gangly eighth-grader at a small Christian school. He had 19 dunks in that game. He’d just grab a board, dribble down the floor, and dunk. Usually, kids that size at his age are uncoordinated. But not Chris. He was at least a generation ahead in terms of the things he was able to do.”
By the time he graduated, Webber was not just a local legend but a national name—winner of three state titles, multiple national awards, and one of the most anticipated college recruits of his era.
Juwan Howard PF (NBA) Class of 1991
Juwan Howard emerged as one of the most polished and promising high school players in the nation during his time at Chicago Vocational High School. Known for his smooth, all-around game, Howard combined offensive versatility with strong defensive instincts—earning national recognition well before he joined the Superfriends AAU squad. By the start of his sophomore year in 1988, Howard was just 15 years old but already widely seen as a blue-chip recruit for the Class of 1991. He was considered one of the top sophomores in the highly competitive Chicago basketball scene. That year, he poured in 26 points during a Chicago Public League quarterfinal game against Deon Thomas's powerhouse Simeon Career Academy. Though his team, Chicago Vocational, ended the season with a solid 23–7 record, Howard’s standout performances didn’t go unnoticed. He became the only sophomore selected to the 20-man All-Public League team by city coaches, earning second-team honors.
What set Howard apart was his technician-like mastery of the low post—skills he refined through endless hours in the gym. While Jalen Rose and Chris Webber helped recruit Howard to play on their AAU squad, it was ultimately Howard who became the architect of Michigan’s legendary Fab Five recruiting class. His quiet leadership and focused approach would set the tone for one of the most iconic college basketball teams of all time.
The Class of 1991 #7 Ranked Player in The Nation
Jalen Rose SF (NBA) Class of 1991
Jalen Rose's basketball pedigree ran deep—his biological father, Jimmy Walker, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1967 NBA Draft and started in the backcourt alongside Jerry West in the 1972 NBA All-Star Game. However, despite several phone conversations, Rose never met his father in person.
Hailing from Detroit, Rose starred at Southwestern High School, where his unique blend of size, skill, and court vision made him one of the top guard/forwards in the country. He shared the court with future NBA talents Voshon Lenard and Howard Eisley, helping Southwestern become a perennial powerhouse. His standout play earned him national attention, and he even appeared at a prestigious high school All-American camp featured in the documentary Hoop Dreams. Rose’s confidence, versatility, and leadership would later define the Michigan Fab Five and propel him to a successful NBA career known for scoring, swagger, and savvy playmaking.
The Future Starting NBA SG Could Have Been The Fab Fives Missing Piece
Voshon Lenard SG (NBA) Class of 1991
The sweet-shooting guard Voshon Lenard starred at Southwestern High School in Detroit alongside Jalen Rose. While he didn’t join the University of Michigan’s Fab Five, Lenard’s talent was unmistakable. Known for his elite scoring ability and deadly three-point shot, he quickly became a standout on the Superfriends AAU team, where his perimeter shooting made him a perfect complement to the squad’s high-octane style. Lenard’s long-range accuracy and clutch shooting were exactly the kind of weapon the Fab Five lacked during their run—had he chosen Michigan, he might have been the floor-spacing sniper they desperately needed. Instead, Lenard chose the University of Minnesota, where he made an immediate impact. In one memorable matchup, he needed just 12 shots to rack up 25 points in a 73–64 upset over the Fab Five-led Wolverines.
In the NBA, Lenard carved out a successful career, averaging 14.0 points per game and shooting 37.1% from beyond the arc—establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent scoring threats from deep.
Respert Was Drafted 8th Overall in The 1995 NBA Draft
Shawn Respert PG (NBA) Class of 1991
Shawn Respert, another key member of the Superfriends, starred at Lansing’s Eastern High School, where he earned high school All-American honors before making his mark in college and the NBA. At Michigan State University, Respert became the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,531 career points. He was named an All-American in both 1994 and 1995 and earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 1995. That same year, he was selected 8th overall in the NBA Draft.
Had Respert chosen to play at Michigan, his presence could have added a more traditional point guard to the Fab Five, potentially allowing Jalen Rose—naturally a small forward—to shift back to his preferred position. Respert graduated just one year ahead of the Fab Five's arrival, making the near-miss all the more intriguing in retrospect.
Eisley Was A Year Older But Routinely Played with Superfriends
Howard Eisley PG (NBA) Class of 1990
Eisley ran point for the Superfriends throughout his youth before graduating a year earlier than his peers in 1990. Although he averaged just 10 points per game, Eisley was the floor general of a powerhouse team that ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation during his final two seasons. Following a standout junior year in 1989, in which Southwestern made yet another state finals appearance, Eisley became a coveted recruit. Programs across the country showed interest, but his coach, Perry Watson—who had close ties to Kent State—strongly encouraged Eisley to join the Ohio-based program.
Despite being overshadowed by his more high-profile teammates, Eisley proved himself at the college level. In his senior season at Boston College, he led the Eagles to the Elite Eight of the 1994 NCAA Tournament and earned Eastern Regional All-Tournament honors. Though he wasn’t part of the Fab Five era directly, Eisley played a critical role in building the foundation of Detroit's basketball dynasty that would define early ‘90s hoops culture.
Bibb Was Better Known For His Time with Team And1
Emmanuel "Hard Work" Bibb PG (Detroit Mercy) Class of 1991
Emmanuel “Hard Work” Bibb finished 10th in the 1991 Michigan High School Mr. Basketball voting, ranking behind future NBA stars like Chris Webber (the winner), Jalen Rose (runner-up), and Voshon Lenard (7th place). Known for his electrifying skills on the court, Bibb gained a reputation as a dunking and scoring machine during his time at Detroit's Denby High School. His standout performance came in 1990 when he scored an impressive 51 points in a game against Detroit Chadsey. Bibb’s ability to dominate on the blacktop earned him the nickname "Hard Work," and he went on to make a name for himself beyond high school basketball. After graduating in 1991, he played at the University of Detroit Mercy before making his mark on the AND1 Mixtape Tour. Bibb also appeared in the 2006 video game "AND1 Streetball."
In high school, Bibb was named to the Detroit Free Press All-PSL First Team and finished 10th in the Mr. Basketball voting. A testament to his raw talent and athleticism, here’s an excerpt from a first-hand account shared on Facebook by Tom Burgan, who witnessed one of Bibb’s jaw-dropping dunks during his AAU days: “With one hand, he soared sideways and slammed the ball with so much force that the retractable backboard began to move uncontrollably. The referees had to stop the game to make sure the rim and backboard were still usable for the rest of the tournament. The crowd, including myself, was in utter disbelief…”
Varga was a two year starter at Pittsburgh and a Junior College All-American
Chad Varga PF (University of Pittsburgh) Class of 1991
The 6'6" power forward made a significant impact as a Junior College All-American at Vincennes, where he averaged 28.3 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks per game. He later transferred to the University of Pittsburgh, where he led the team in both scoring and rebounding during his junior season in Big East play, averaging 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. After his college career, he continued to excel as a professional overseas in Spain, averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds per game.
Kleinschmidt Ended His Career Top 10 on DePaul's Scoring List
Tom Kleinschmidt SG (Depaul) Class of 1991
He went on to play at DePaul, where the 6'5" power guard averaged 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists during his senior season. Kleinschmidt finished 6th on DePaul's all-time scoring list and was named the 1995 Great Midwestern Conference Player of the Year. In high school, he led Chicago's Gordon Tech to a runner-up finish in the 1990 Illinois High School Association boys' basketball tournament. Despite losing to Chicago King, 65-55, Kleinschmidt scored 27 of his team's 55 points as a junior. Over the course of the tournament, which included four games, he totaled 125 points (31.25 ppg), 38 rebounds (9.5 rpg), 15 assists (3.75 apg), 14 steals (3.5 spg), and 7 blocked shots (1.75 bpg).
Theron Wilson - C (Eastern Michigan) Class of 1992
One year behind Webber and Rose, Wilson played his college ball at Eastern Michigan. Over his four-year career, he was a steady contributor on defense, averaging more than 2.8 blocks per game, and was a consistent presence in the paint.
Jesse Drain SF (University of Houston) Class of 1991
Standing 6'7", Drain played at the University of Houston, where he earned a reputation as one of the best deep shooters in college basketball. In 1995, he averaged more than two three-pointers per game, earning the nickname for his long-range accuracy. He would later go on to play with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Omar Wedlow - C (Southern University) Class of 1991
At 6'10", Wedlow served as a backup big man at Southern University, providing depth and size to the team's frontcourt during his college career.
Jessie Drain - Voshon Lenard - Emmanuel Bibb - Jalen Rose - Chris Webber
The Summer of 1990
Fast forward to the summer of 1990, when Chicago native Juwan Howard joined the Michigan-based AAU squad. How did Team Michigan land a star from Chicago? At the time, there wasn’t a national-level AAU team representing the Windy City. So Jalen Rose, recognizing Howard’s talent, personally invited him to play alongside him for Team Michigan. The decision was an easy one—Howard was already good friends with Chris Webber, making the transition feel natural.
That summer, the Superfriends were nearly unstoppable. They captured both the AAU Junior Olympics title in Tallahassee and the AAU Nationals in Orlando, proving their dominance over the country’s top-tier talent. In the Junior Olympics, Chris Webber delivered a jaw-dropping 38-point, 27-rebound performance in a 121–115 win over Corliss Williamson’s Arkansas Wings. In another marquee matchup, Webber poured in 33 points in a 102–89 victory over BABC.
Throughout the summer, the Superfriends faced elite competition, including teams led by future NBA stars like Penny Hardaway’s Memphis YMCA, Randy Livingston’s Louisiana Spartans, and Alan Henderson’s Indiana squad. In one of their most memorable games, they clinched the 1990 Junior Olympics championship with a decisive 95–75 win over Richmond Metro, thanks to a balanced and relentless team effort.
Superfriends Legacy
Their dominance on the court helped shape the landscape of 1990s basketball—not just through individual success, but by laying the groundwork for Michigan’s Fab Five, one of the most iconic and culturally significant college basketball teams of all time. From 1993 to 1995, each NBA Draft featured a Superfriends alum selected in the lottery, a testament to the sheer talent packed onto that AAU roster.
Another remarkable footnote: every NBA player from the Superfriends eventually faced Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in the 1997 or 1998 Eastern Conference Playoffs—each coming up short against the dynasty.
The Detroit-based Superfriends earned a well-deserved spot among the Top 25 Greatest AAU Teams of All Time.. For a deeper dive into their legacy, check out ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary The Fab Five. Special thanks to the Detroit Free Press, whose in-depth coverage of high school basketball during the city's golden era helped preserve the story of this legendary team.