The Drew League

• History on the Drew
• Drew Staff
• Player of the Week

 

• Drew League Awards
• Picture Galleries
• Contact the Drew

The History of the Drew League

        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.

        Almost forty 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 and people could go on and on, but here are a few who have graced the Drew floor:

        Not to mention the many well known college, streetball, high school, and international pros that have played at the Drew. 

        The Drew has also been home to some special people like Eileen Carlyle, the 1st female coach in the history of the league who went on to win coach of the year in the Drew Summer League.

        The Drew has been a Mecca for west coast pro-am basketball for nearly 40 years, and it is only getting stronger!