Webber Chosen Rookie of Year Over Hardaway

Chris Webber, who helped make the Golden State Warriors the NBA’s most improved team, Tuesday was chosen as the league’s rookie of the year.

The first of Michigan’s Fab Five to play in the NBA and the youngest player in the league, Webber edged Orlando’s Anfernee Hardaway, the player Golden State drafted third and sent to the Magic for the rights to Webber, the No. 1 selection last year.

Webber received 53 votes to 47 for Hardaway in balloting by a panel of sports writers and broadcasters. Webber averaged 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals.