The Drew Effect | 45 Years Strong

The History runs deep for LA’s Drew League, In its 45th year The Drew has been home to perennial NBA stars such as Nick Young, James Harden, Javale McGee, and Demar DeRozan. Back in 1973, Alvin Willis had a vision he brought to the community of South Central Los Angeles. Alvin had high hopes for the Youths of LA; his objective was to create a platform that would attract the top HS players, College, and Pro's back to the community. In the span of a decade Alvin and Dino transformed the Drew League from a top tier Pro-Am in North America to a top Pro-am in the world. 40 years ago, nobody envisioned that a 6-team league would become the epicentre for Southern California hoops. On Saturday June 2, over 350 athletes will grace the hardwood for the opening weekend of the Drew. This season 26 teams will compete for LA supremacy; the highly anticipated Pro-am will feature Reigning Champs Birdies Revenge led by MVP Franklin “Nitty” Sessions. The summer hoop scene in LA never seems to fail their expectations; The Drew will provide high-level competition in stellar fashion.

Photo by:@Drewleague

This year's divisions will be named after brother’s Jonathan and Christopher Baxter, who've been former player’s of the drew. Unfortunately their lives were taken by a fatal car accident back in November of 2017; rest in paradise. Father Kenneth Baxter strives to make an impact this summer as he leans of his Drew League family, He Mourns alongside with 350 plus players who were friends, competitors, and peers of Chris and John. This summer all participants of the Drew are looking forward of keeping Christopher & Jonathan’s legacies alive.  No Excuse Just Produce.

“You Know Chris and John loved playing in the Drew, they grew up in this league. That was their grind!”

— Kenneth Baxter

Each Division will include 13 teams that will compete against each, The JB division features both Hometown Favourites and Birdies Revenge; we will witness a rematch of last year championship during the regular season. In the CB division we got BB4L led by Casper Ware, and Van Girard. M.H.P. includes Nick "Swaggy P" Young and NBA All-star Demar DeRozan. It's an exciting time for Southern California, Musically, Entertainment, and Athletically; there's no place you'd rather be at. Less the 72 hours until the opening weekend kicks off at the Drew, let's continue to shift the culture of basketball on the west coast. It's been a blessing for the LA community to have sustained a reputable Pro-Am for over 40 year, 45 years to be exact. Dino and his team have high hopes for the Drew going forward as they look to witness another 45 years here in South Central, LA.

photo by: @drewleague

“If your a hooper, you love the essence of street ball. It’s just somewhere that represents where we come from. The Drew League represents where we come from. The struggle, the pain, just wanting to be sum.”

— Tracy Mills (2017 Drew League Coach of The Year)

With national media attention around the Drew last summer, Complex decided to take a trip to LA and see what the fuss was about. The Drew never failed to provide great entertainment to the good people at Complex. Complex had the opportunity to capture various defining moments at the Drew, catching up with NBA stars, basketball icons, and more. Complex shared their Drew experience for the world to see if hopes of shedding light on the new aged basketball culture. Check out the dope video below. Be sure to come out and watch the world's #1 Pro-Am this weekend at King Drew High School; No Excuse. Just Produce.

photo by: @drewleague

“Kids get to see a little bit of success, great basketball, NBA players, top College players. In the hood you don’t got that man, so I’m glad Nike helped bring this together and made it into what it is today.”

— Franklin "Nitty" Session (Drew League MVP)

Thanks: @Drewleague, @Nikelosangeles, @complex

Event: 45th Annual Drew League

Sponsored by: Nike

Powered by: Body Armour, Monster, Time Warner Cable

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDhmqBrfzsc&t=79s

All Hail King James | History In The Making

LeBron James and The Cleveland Cavaliers have punched their ticket to the 2018 NBA Finals with a 87-79 win in Game7 vs. Boston Celtics; They will await the winner between The Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. LeBron James continues to prevail in the face of adversity, becoming the 6th player in NBA history to play in 8 NBA finals. In his 15th season LeBron James has shown the world why he’s a solid MVP Candidate, and arguably the greatest player in the modern era. King James has silenced several critics over the course of his career with several historical performances; it's unfathomable to witness how LeBron James has shifted the culture of basketball in the last decade; the last NBA player to have such a profound imprint on the sport of basketball was Kobe Bryant, and before that was Michael Jordan. In other words, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

LeBron James continues to carve his own lane throughout the peak of his career as he leads the charge for his Cleveland squad. During mid-season The Cavs did a blockbuster trade that changed the dynamics of their ball club; they were unable to meet the expectations and went into a traumatic slump. Things started to turn as the Cavs approached post-season thanks to their Leader LeBron James and his heroic performances. He dominated all throughout the playoffs, leading the Cavs to eliminate the Indiana Pacers in the 1st round (4-3), Toronto Raptors in the 2nd round (4-0), and now advanced past a well-coached Celtics ball club (4-3).  LeBron James biggest challenge will come next series as we hope to witness a rematch of the 2017 NBA Finals; hopefully LeBron can capture his second finals win vs. Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

“We’ve been counted out a long time this season, and right around the trade deadline I switched my mindset on saying let’s get the most out of this season.”

— LeBron James

According to Sean Carter (Also know As Jay-Z) “ Men Lie, Women Lie, Numbers Don’t”, that statement applies to LBJ in every matter as he’s currently the NBA's All-time playoff leader in points (6740), steals (403), and minutes (9415); He is also first among active players for All-time playoff assists (1543). King James rewrites another page to the history book improving with a 6-2 record in Game 7's averaging 34.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. It's funny how things come back around in full circle, back in the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals LeBron and the Cavs were defeated by The Boston Celtics led by their Big 3 (Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen), now a decade later King James returns the favour putting an end to The Celtics season. You know what they say, "Revenge is a best meal served cold", I think it's safe to say that LeBron will get the last laugh when it's all said and done.

“I guess this is the last chapter for our team and this season, it’s been a whirlwind..It’s been cedar point.
”

— LeBron James

On the brink of his 8th NBA finals appearance LeBron James states the difficulty of his upcoming challenge, but with experience on his side it's all about utilizing his tools and executing down the stretch for his ball club; whatever it takes. Another year, another NBA finals appearance for the King, but is this the year for another championship ring? Only time will tell. In the mean time let's continue to embrace King James quest towards his 4th NBA title instead of the illegitimate comparisons; we're witnessing history in the making.

“At the end of the day the game is won between the lines, and we have an opportunity to compete for a championship. So, that’s all that matters.”

— LeBron James

Thanks: ESPN, NBA, Bleacher Report, Cavs

Athlete: LeBron James (@kingjames)