Inside the Drew League’s 52nd season
South Los Angeles (News4usOnline) - Some may have never heard of it, but for hoopers, the Drew League isn’t just basketball—it’s a rite of passage. Now in its 52nd season, the Drew is where streetball meets legacy, where NBA stars and local legends collide, and where the only currency is respect.
“No Excuse. Just Produce.”
That’s been the motto since the beginning. Founded in 1973 by Alvin Wills at Charles Drew Middle School in South Central Los Angeles, the league was created as a safe haven for youth—a place to stay out of trouble and stay on the court. What started with just six teams has grown into a global basketball landmark.
The Drew is made up of a mix you won’t find anywhere else: young talent, old heads, overseas pros, G League grinders, international players, and NBA names—all hooping under one roof for bragging rights. No contracts. No paychecks. Just pride.
Photo courtesy of Carlos Jones/News4usOnline
When I asked one player—Dominique—why he plays despite no monetary reward, he turned to me, smiled, and said:
“For the love of the game.”
A League Built from the Community Up
Still held in South L.A., the Drew League has become more than just a basketball tournament. It's a cultural event. From its roots during the L.A. riots to surviving a pandemic, the league has always found a way to show up for the city.
In 1992, while the city burned in unrest, the Drew stayed open. In 2006, it outgrew its original home and moved to Leon H. Washington Park. By 2012, it landed at King/Drew Magnet High School and partnered with Nike, leveling up but never selling out.
Drew League Alumni: Local Legends & NBA Stars
- DeMar DeRozan – A Compton native who started playing at age 14 and is now considered Drew royalty.
- James Harden – From Compton/ Lakewood, Harden first appeared in the Drew while in college and even shared the floor with Kobe in the legendary 2011 lockout game.
- Paul Pierce – The Inglewood native brought NBA flair to the Drew in the early 2000s.
- Baron Davis – A South Central L.A. legend whose early NBA involvement helped elevate the league’s profile.
Even LeBron James has pulled up—dropping 42 points in 2022 like it was just another day in the gym. The Drew doesn’t chase clout. The clout shows up to play.
Week 6 Recap: Cheaters Handle Business, DJ Smith Makes His Mark
With just three weeks left before the playoffs, Week 6 brought the heat—literally and figuratively. At King/Drew Magnet High School, the Cheaters defeated the Hometown Favorites 85–64 in a statement win.
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DeMar DeRozan was in attendance and gave his team a pregame message encouraging them to play hard—a spark that clearly lit the fire.
Covering the Drew League for the first time, I was excited to see DJ Smith, a 21-year-old from Philly, make his Drew League debut for the Cheaters. He stood nervously during the pregame interview but carried himself with purpose.
“Yeah, I was nervous,” DJ admitted. “This was my first time playing with this squad, and only one person really knew me. But once I got on the court, it was just instincts—muscle memory.”
Standing 6'2", DJ brings scrappy defense, floor leadership, and a deep respect for the fundamentals:
“A lot of people skip the fundamentals because they just want the flash. But what they don’t see is the foundation—the work the pros put in behind the scenes.”
He made the most of his minutes.
Photo courtesy of Carlos Jones/News4usOnline
“I didn’t play much, but I made the most of my time. Only missed one shot. We got the dub. I’m happy with that.”
DJ also spoke on what separates a good player from a great one:
“Being a good teammate is huge. Coaches look for that. It’s not just about buckets—it’s about energy, communication, and being someone people want in the locker room. That’s who I am.”
And yes—he’s got dreams beyond the Drew:
“I want to keep playing high-level basketball, show scouts what I can do. I love the game. That’s all I need.”
He even shouted out the WNBA:
“I watch the W. My favorite? Shorty with the dreads on Phoenix—she be cookin’. But I got mad respect for A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese… the younger stars pushing the game forward.”
Final Take
From Philly gyms to the Drew League hardwood, DJ Smith is one to watch—not just for the buckets, but for the heart he plays with.
And as long as the Drew keeps running, stories like his will keep being written—one game, one grind, one hoop dream at a time.
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