Hawkeyes Take Down The Fab Five - 1993 (Feat. Wade Lookingbill)

“It rarely comes up unless it’s this.”

Here at the Moonlight Graham Show, we pride ourselves on telling the stories that sports fans may not have even known that they needed to hear. This week, we are telling a little different story. One of our favorite Moonlighter’s returns to take a look back at one of the most well known stories in Iowa basketball history; Chris Street’s sudden passing. Wade Lookingbill joins Tim in the studio to tell us about his friend and teammate Chris Street, the ‘92-’93 season, and the Hawkeyes taking down the Fab Five in Iowa City.

Chris Street grew up in Indianola, Iowa and was a lot more than just a hometown hero. Street was a special individual whose legacy stands out as we look back almost 30 years since his tragic death in an automobile accident in January of 1993. This Chris Street Award is given each year to the Hawkeye player that embodies Street’s characteristics associated with Street: spirit, enthusiasm, and intensity. Recent winners include Luka Garza, Ryen Kreiner, Nicholas Baer, and Jordan Bohannon. 

The 1992-1993 Hawkeyes were primed for a great season. The lineup included Acie Earl, Wade Lookingbill, Kenyon Martin, Val Barnes, and a lot of depth playing for Dr. Tom Davis. There was a lot of hype surrounding the Hawks at the start of the season and they were projected to contend for the Big Ten Title with heavy weights Michigan and Indiana. The Hawkeyes started the season 11-0 before a loss to #5 Indiana. They would remain a top 20 team the whole season and earn a 4 seed in the NCAA tournament. The season ended in the round of 32 with a loss to Wake Forest. Though a 23-9 record and a tournament win are not why that season is remembered. 

Chris Street entered his junior year as a key player on a stacked team. Street had committed to the Hawkeyes as a sophomore in high school and was ready to contribute when he showed up on campus. Wade Lookingbill talks about a hardworking Iowa-boy who was growing into his 6’ 9 frame. As a freshman who was willing to rebound, chase loose balls, and set screens. That identity as a tough nosed competitor earned him the respect of his teammates and by his junior year had emerged as a leader even though there were talented seniors on the team.

“Basketball was the easy part.”

Lookingbill brings the types of insights only a teammate can to break down that team, the expectations for that year, and the tragic loss of his friend. The Hawkeyes had to regroup as a team for a game at Michigan State just 9 days after Street’s death. January 31st 1993 was the first time the the Haweyes played at home without #40 on the floor. Tim and Wade breakdown that game vs. the Fab Five in Carver-Hawkeye and the life and legacy of Chris Street.

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