No one likes the NBA lockout; the majority of all of us fans have a bit of distain in our voice even talking about it. Basketball fans worldwide are stuck in a holding pattern waiting for the owners and players work out their differences. The labor dispute could render the 2011-2012 schedule into a 50-game season.
As bad, as that is you have an option to solve your basketball fix if you reside in Los Angeles. In south central it is known simply as “the drew”. You can come out and see various levels of talent battling it out on the hardwood. Make no mistake Drew League basketball has been the epicenter of west coast pro-am basketball for over 40 years and continues to get stronger.
The history of drew league goes back to 1973 when it was established by Alvin Willis with six teams. The league now has 24 invited teams. Willis had a positive yet powerful vision for the league with his belief that this league could be a place for young men and women of south central Los Angeles to learn life lessons through basketball form meaningful relationship on the court that will spill over into the neighborhood. True to Willis’ goal, the league has built an institution that has consistently brought the top local high school, college, and pro players back to the community.
Willis was a longtime friend and mentor to Dino Smiley. Smiley has the same vision as Willis and has done a tremendous job as commissioner for over two decades with the league that is certified by the NBA and NCAA. The drew league has been a jewel of Los Angeles for decades with a unique brand of basketball a mix of NBA, street ball, college and high level high school athletes played by NBA rules with NBA officials.
Several top players have suited up such as Kevin Durant, Cuttino Mobley, DeMar DeRozen, James Harden, JaVale McGee, Derrick Williams and Tyreke Evans just to name a few. The best part about watching a game at the small Leo H. Washington Park is that there is no fanfare, although a ‘men at work’ sign would have been appropriate. You enter the gym a game is being played and it is easy to see that athletes of all levels are working hard and have brought ‘A’ game.
The Sports Journey Broadcast Network was on hand as the host of “the Locker Room with Jeff Little” witnessed some of the days action in the drew league summer pro-am tournament on Saturday. Every game was a competitive run, but it was clear that something special was about to occur when Lebron James and Baron Davis entered the building. James not only made an appearance he donned a jersey and suited up for Cheaters II. James put on a show for the standing room only crowd putting up a very familiar stat line 30 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. James night in conjunction with reigning Big West player of the year, Casper Ware’s 22 points, six rebounds and three steals helped Cheaters II beat Da Fam 96-90. The right thing to do is vigorously applauded Lebron James as much for giving back to the community as well as his solid performance. The best part of the night was watching the joy and huge smiles on the faces of several kids in south central Los Angeles viewing an event that will provide them an unforgettable memory. The Drew league foundation does a tireless amount of work for the Los Angeles community, your support is needed.
The tournament continues next weekend and there is no telling who will make an appearance or play. The fact of the matter is that if you are a basketball fan in Los Angeles it is important to take a trip to Washington Park. It would be awesome for a few major sponsors’ to lend their support to the league. It would be equally exciting to see an All-Star team from the Drew league battle it out on the court against an All-Star team from Washington, D.C.’s Goodman basketball league. Rumor has it that the date set for the battle is August 20, the rosters will not disappoint. For those who don't know the Drew League's motto answers any question about the league "No excuse, just produce". In the words of famed boxing, referee Mills Lane “let’s get in on”.
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