By God's Grace - Hardcover

by Chris Webber (Author)

From basketball legend Chris Webber comes By God's Grace, the highly anticipated memoir by the polarizing star of Michigan's iconic Fab Five.

Chris Webber is a once-in-a-generation athlete and one of the most versatile big men in basketball history. From his baggy shorts, black socks, and trash talk that sparked a cultural revolution to becoming the first overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft, Webber's career spanned fifteen professional seasons and earned him countless honors. But to know the real man is to look beyond the CWebb persona into the pressure-filled world of Mayce Edward Christopher Webber III, a shy momma's boy from Detroit.

Labeled a prodigy at twelve years old, Webber fought his way through the drugs, crime, and gang wars that plagued his tough childhood neighborhood to become one of the most heavily recruited high school basketball players of all time. He soon became the leader of Michigan's Fab Five, a team as outrageous as it was legendary, and a dominant force in the NBA. But with his rise to basketball heights came scandal, misconception, and forfeited wins that caused lasting controversy. Every step of the way, Webber leaned on the two most important relationships in his life for support: God and family.

By God's Grace offers an unparalleled look into Webber's story in his own words. He recounts the incredible highs of his personal life and days on the court, along with his most devastating lows, including his infamous time-out and the years of infertility he and his wife endured before the birth of their twins. Featuring never-before-seen photos, personal stories, and heartfelt tributes to the most influential people in his life, this is a profoundly honest firsthand account of one man's inspiring journey and how God's grace guided him through it all.

Author Biography

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 Goods, and Moxie Sport. Webber is now an analyst for Turner Sports NBA and NCAA coverage. He lives with his wife Erika and their twins, Elle Marie and Mayce Chris.