They have managed to sneak in a few conversations during the past two weeks.

Miami Heat forward Juwan Howard has phoned Chris Webber during the NBA Finals. He's sent text messages to Jalen Rose. Although their careers are at opposite ends, the conversation remains the same.

Howard is not only in position to win a championship with the Heat, but also capture a trophy for one of college basketball's most celebrated teams. He is the last active member of Michigan's Fab Five, and stands just two victories from winning one for the group. The Heat trail the Dallas Mavericks 3-2 in the best-of-7 series.

"You know what, if I win a championship, the family wins one," Howard said. "Because we're all like family. I know Jalen told you guys before the season started that if I win one, it's like he's going to win one. He's going to wear the ring, too."

Howard outlasted Rose and Webber, who have both retired and joined the broadcast teams at ESPN at NBA TV. They are far removed from the days when they teamed with Ray Jackson and Jimmy King to form an all-freshmen starting lineup at Michigan in 1991. They played for the national title twice, losing both times.

Their popularity was a product of success and brash, from black socks to baggy shorts. The team was recently the subject of an ESPN documentary.

"The style that they brought, the flavor is what you remember," Heat forward Udonis Haslem said. "The long shorts, the black socks, the bald heads, all that. It was part of I guess moving basketball to a new era, mixing it slightly with hip-hop."

Now, Howard in his 17th season stands as their last hope of winning a championship. Rose was the first Fab Five player to make it to this stage. He was a member of the Indiana Pacers team that lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2000 NBA Finals.

"I know that they're definitely cheering me on," Howard said. "They're very supportive. We discussed it throughout the season as far as how important this series is not only just for me, but for all of us. Hopefully one of us will get a ring."

Webber, now an analyst at NBA TV, said he's been on "pins and needles" while watching Howard play in the Finals. Howard, a former All-Star who is now a role player, is averaging 5.8 minutes a game against the Mavericks.

The limited role means nothing to his former teammates. They are viewing the experience as if he were a primary contributor.

"It would be definitely great for us because we love each other," Webber said. "We would love to see him do it, not for Michigan or not for anyone else, but just because we love him."

They haven't spoken as much recently because of their hectic schedules, with Howard playing and Rose and Webber both in the media. Rose works as an analyst for ESPN, but has stayed in contact with Howard during the Finals.

"Of course, I've called him," Rose said. "Of course, I've texted him. We're like brothers. Whether it's me running into his son at AmericanAirlines Arena or whether it's talking about things he can do to be more of a contributor, we're talking. … We're excited for him. If anybody deserves it, it's him. He was always the voice of the reason for us."

srichardson@tribune.com