Alvin Willis established the Drew League in 1973 with 6 teams.  Willis believed this league could be a place for young men and women of South Central Los Angeles to learn life lessons through basketball.  The Drew League's goal was to help young people form meaningful relationships on the court that would spill over into the neighborhood, as well as build an institution that would bring top local high school, college, and pro players back to the community.  As a long time friend and mentor to Dino Smiley, in 1985 Willis decided it was time to let Smiley have a shot at directing the league.  By 1985 the league had grown from the original 6 teams to 10 teams.  Today the league matches up 20 "invitation-only" teams to battle it out on the hardwood.

        Thirty years ago, no one would have predicted that the gym at Charles Drew Junior High School on the corner of Compton and firestone would play host to Southern California's toughest competition, attracting streetball legends, collegiate athletes, and several NBA star.

        Our list of notable players could go on and on, but here are a few who have graced the Drew floors:

David Greenwood                   Raymond Lewis                   Freeman Williams                    Dennis Johnson

Lester Conner                       Byron Scott                          Micheal Cooper                         John Staggers

John Williams                       Greg Anthony                      Paul Pierce                               Baron Davis                           

Not to mention the many well known college, streetball, high school, and international pros that have played at the Drew.  The Drew has been a Meccah for west coast pro-am basketball for over 30 years, and it is only getting stronger...