Webber, Chris: - Chris Webber is considered one of the best power forwards in NBA history and the best hooper to hail from Detroit, Michigan. He won every individual national award from his time as a high school freshman through his sophomore year in college. One of the most recruited ball players in prep history, Webber finished his high school career as the third all-time scorer in the state of Michigan. As a senior at Detroit Country Day High School, he was named Michigan's Mister Basketball and Gatorade's National High School Player of the Year.
As a member of the Fab Five at the University of Michigan, he earned Freshman of the Year honors, becoming the first freshman to lead the Big Ten in rebounds. In two collegiate seasons, he led the Wolverines to consecutive Final Four appearances, reaching the national championship game in both seasons. He became the first player in history to be named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team as a freshman and sophomore.
Webber was selected with the first overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft and, after a successful season with the Golden State Warriors, was voted Rookie of the Year. He became the first rookie in league history to amass more than 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 blocks, and 75 steals. He was a five-time All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection. In a career that spanned fifteen seasons, Webber is one of five NBA players to average at least 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists for an entire career.
Webber also has a long history of community service. During his pro career, he was twice given the NBA Community Assist Award. For more than twenty-five years, the Webber family and foundation have supported underprivileged youth and their families through scholarships, books, and financial support in Detroit; Washington, DC; Oakland; Atlanta; Sacramento; Philadelphia; and New Orleans. Webber has served on the National Advisory Board for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he was selected as the 2003 Wish Maker of the Year.
Webber is also a significant collector of African American artifacts and documents. His collection includes documents and letters from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, George Washington Carver, and Toussaint L'Ouverture, as well as a rare first-edition book of poems by Phillis Wheatley and a Carte-de-visite and letter from Frederick Douglass. He also runs several successful companies including the Webber Group, Webber Gilbert Productions, Thoroughly Crafted Good