The city of Plano, Texas is most notable for producing Dr. Pepper and Doritos, but 17 years ago it was on the map for more than just junk food. An integral part of Michigan’s Fab Five, Jimmy King put Plano on the map when he was named as a McDonald’s All-American in 1991, while putting it down for Plano East High School. The Fab Five is well chronicled and was even featured in a well written article by Bounce contributer, Ali. Despite the success of his high school and collegiate career, King would take a different path to stardom than more notable players, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, and Jalen Rose. (King and Ray Jackson are often noted as the two players of the Fab Five that did not pan out, at least NBA wise)
Following a successful four year stay in Ann Arbor, King was drafted in the second round of the 1995 draft by the expansion Toronto Raptors. He played one year for the expansion team, averaging 4.5ppg, 1.8 boards, and 1.4 dimes. Jimmy was traded to the Mavericks after the season and subsequently cut from the team. He would make one more appearance in the L with the Nuggets for a few games the next season. Tryouts with the Pacers and Nuggets later in his career would not pan out, as King spent most of his career playing stateside in the minor leagues.

Jimmy King (center) poses with teammates Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Ray Jackson, and Coach Steve Fisher
King’s basketball travels took him to the Quad City Thunder of the CBA, where he was named league MVP in 1998. After the season, King played for the Bronze medal winning USA team during the 1998 World Championships in Greece. The team was put together with mostly CBA players as the NBA faced a lockout. King would continue to play stateside in the CBA for the Great Lakes Storm as well as the Asheville Altitude of the NBDL and the Dodge City Legend of the USBL. Jimmy ended his career playing overseas for Guaiqueries in the Venezuelan league.
Without the bright lights of the NBA stage, King was still able to shine throughout his career as a contributing player on some successful minor league teams. He also has two things that no other Fab Five members have, an MVP trophy and an Olympic medal. King remains tight with his trend-setting teammates and comes off as very humble in his accomplishments. I had the privilege of meeting Jimmy at a USBL game in 2002. He was very chill and appreciative of my support as a fan.
Everyone on this site most likely remembers Jimmy King and the rest of the Fab Five. If so, what is your favorite moment in Jimmy King’s career or the legacy of the Fab Five?