Drew League – the giant mecca of summer basketball / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Drew League Credit Drew League

The Drew League has that mysterious aura. We live in 2021, but getting information about the league and, especially, statistical data from the games is complicated. At least, social media comes in handy. But in the end, it seems that the league operators are asking people to pull up and feel that unique atmosphere: "No Excuse. Just Produce."

Isaiah Thomas

Position:PGAge:32Height:175 cmWeight:84 kgBirth place:United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

And sure enough, people show up. They jam-pack high school basketball gym to see the jaw-dropping mix of NBA athletes, retired legends, celebrities, local leagues' hoopers, overseas players, and college prospects. That's what you get to experience in the Drew League. Players in the Drew League are tough, vibrant, especially when they feel the electrifying atmosphere in the stands. At times, there are pushing, trash-talking or even clashes between the opponents.

The league was found in 1973 by Alvin Wills. It has grown from six to 22 teams, and the games are played on Saturday and Sunday during the summer period in Los Angeles, California. According to the official website, Dino Smiley ran the Drew League for more than three decades before passing on the legacy to his daughter, Chaniel. "It's something that's embedded in my family and embedded in the community," he said. "Drew is just a part of me." New York used to be the capital of summer basketball. But California athletes have shifted the momentum to the side of LA. The players wanted to show West Coast's basketball potential.

The Drew League is an excellent platform for young guys to show off. There is no doubt that scouts are watching their performances. Sometimes it's hard to display full potential during the season, so Drew becomes the ideal space to be in the spotlight. "Playing in the Drew this summer was a vibe and great to work/show my game against high-level guys," tweeted Curtis Hollis. Former Star at LaVar Ball's Junior Basketball Association is yet to land a professional contract, but he's on his way. While traveling with the JBA USA team across Europe and playing alongside LaMelo and LiAngelo in 2018, Hollis averaged 29.7 PTS, 6.5 REB, and 3.9 AST per game.

Hollis (23, 1.98) was named The Player of the Week after scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and nailing the game-winning alley-oop with 0.4 seconds left in BBB win against Problems. The American guard/forward finished Drew League's regular season as a top 3 scorer and made it to the All-Star game.

There are also many familiar names in the Drew League every year. Trevor Ariza, Paul Pierce, Chris Paul, Glen Davis, Brandon Jennings, Andre Miller, Nate Robinson, Nick Young, P.J. Tucker, Terrence Ross, John Wall, Metta World Peace have all hit the floor of the Drew League at some point. The late Kobe Bryant graced the court, too, and his debut was legendary. A five-time NBA champion hit a game-winning dagger over James Harden. The crowd went wild, and Bryant disappeared into the mass. That was one of those "unforgettable" moments of the league.

This year Isaiah Thomas was the star representative at the Drew League. The two-time NBA All-Star joined Baron Davis' BB4L squad and did not disappoint. In a game against the Redemption team, the veteran point guard scored 37 points.

In the end, Drew stays true to its motto. Despite the global pandemic, the Drew League made a step forward and hosted its first-ever All-Star game. No Excuse. Just Produce.

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