In its 51st year, the Drew League continues to be a place of competition and community for hoopers of the Southern California region and beyond.
This year is the first time the Women’s Drew League takes place at the same time as the men’s. The slate of games for each weekend includes both men’s and women’s matchups.
The men’s teams are put into either the Joe Berry or the Gilbert Wilburn Division. The team Dawg Pound is rising into prominence, being fourth in the Wilburn Division.
“Our first game was us getting adjusted to each other and when we got used to and adjusted to each other, no team could beat us,” said Larry Olayinka. “We play together. Everyone has one guy that scores, we have 15 guys who go.”
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Olayinka made four blocks while scoring 16 points and four rebounds, helping Dawg Pound defeat Problems 100-99 on Sunday.
The Women’s Drew League team TNSS is undefeated. Chelsea Phillips noted how TNSS was built with intention.
“We really took our time this year on scouting and runs and practices,” Phillips said. “We put a lot of effort into the practices that we go to and it’s finally starting to pay off.”
Phillips, a Carson native, is also a basketball coach. She noticed how coaching helped her be an all-around player.
Problems head coach Tyrone Riley has participated in the Drew League as a player or a coach for 20 years. His son, Tyrone Riley IV, has played for three years.
“It’s been great to see younger players come in and change the landscape of the games,” the elder Riley said. “This is the safe haven of everything.”
While bringing thrilling competition, the Drew League is also giving back to the community. Attendees can buy courtside tickets to games; the proceeds will go to the Drew League Foundation. Their foundation creates mentoring and programming for at-risk youth.
The Drew League Foundation is also hosting a Community Day on July 27th at Charles Drew University which will have free food, health screenings and job opportunities along with activities for youth.
Homegrown players who went on to have international careers get a chance to showcase their skills domestically through the Drew League. Donald Muepo has competed in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. He has been competing with the Drew League team Young Citi PTI for three years.
A memorable moment for Muepo was when he competed against Lakers star LeBron James in the Drew League.
“That’s one of the highlights of my basketball career,” Muepo said. “That was intense, that was the top three hoop experiences in my life getting to play against arguably the best player of all time in your home city.”
USC sophomore guard Aaliyah Gayles competes on GAGE along with Women of Troy alums Kris Simon and Jordan Adams. They defeated the reigning Women’s Drew champions Redemption despite Air Hearn dropping 20 points on them.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of [Women’s Drew] since I was young,” Gayles said. “We have to start out punching first. [Redemption] is a very good team; we knew what we are capable of. We just had to work together.”
To learn more about the Drew League foundation, please visit https://www.drewleaguefoundation.org/
