The Drew League was established by Alvin Wills composed by 6 teams in 1973. Since then, the Charles Drew Junior High School gymhas seen a big list of NBA stars, streetballprodigies andcollegiate athletesduring the 49-year run in Compton, California.
Despite this tournament doesn’t have a big organization behind that controls everything, it has always been a well-organized tournament. For example, the game has an official announcer, the atmosphere in this high school gym, while adding up the NBA stars, makes a unique tournament.
Therefore, the Drew League has placed a special place among the basketball fans, especially in the South Central area in Los Angeles. In fact, it has given a placefor many NBA legends to take their first steps towards their success story.
NBA All-Stars who have played in the Drew League
The Drew Leaguehas seen a lot of NBA legends during his 49-year run. In fact, this six-player list may be short. However, theCharles Drew Junior High School gym has watch Raymond Lewis,Michael Cooper,JaVale McGee and Paul George play, among others.
1. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant – Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
One of the most iconic players made his Drew League debut during the 2011 NBA Lockout. He was in such shape that he made two powerful players with NBA background look very bad. Also, Kobe made a second appearance during the 2018 NBA Offseason.
2.LeBron James
LeBron James – Patrick Smith/Getty Images
The 18-timeAll-Star player made his Drew League debut during the NBA Lockout in 2011. In fact, he is playing as a Cheaters player in this year’sleague. During last weekend, he made his secondappearance, as he pulled up42 points and 16 rebounds.
3.DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan – Stacy Revere/Getty Images
DeMar DeRozan has talked about how much this league means to him. The 5-time All Star made his Drew League debut in 2005 and this year, he has partnered along with LeBron James for the Cheaters team. In his two game appearances he has pulled up 29 and 30 pointsrespectively.
4.Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant – Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Also Kevin Durant made his debut at the Drew League during the 2011 lockout.He was a one-time All-Star, although he is now a 12-time All Star with 2 NBA Championship titles and 1 NBA Most Valuable Player award.
5.Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce – Al Bello/Getty Images
The Inglewood-raisedAll-Starplayedat the Drew League in his early yearsas an NBA player. He made his debut in 2000, eight years before his NBA Championship. Also, he wasn’t even an All-Star yet, however he ended up his career with 10NBA All-Star team nominations.
6.James Harden
James Harden – Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
The 10-time NBA All-Starplayerhas made multiple appearancesat the Drew League for theLAUNFDteam alongsidePJ Tucker and Montrezl Harrell. In fact, James Hardenplayedas the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player in 2018.
