LOS ANGELES — When the ball is tipped at the Drew League, fans get a special basketball experience, a Los Angeles basketball experience. Since 1973, it's where players like Curtis Hollis get to hoop it up with local amateurs and ball with NBA players.  

What You Need To Know

  • On Wednesday night, the Drew League had its first all-star game ever

  • The basketball summer league has been around since 1973

  • It's the first time the NBA players association had ever sanctioned an all-star pro-am event

  • Usually, all Drew League games are free, but tickets to the all-star game were sold to raise money for STEM education in the Greater LA area

"It's a big city, where everybody wants to kick back and enjoy their time in the summer, you know. It's huge, and like I said, it's a huge mecca for basketball in the summer," Hollis said.

Hollis played in junior college, not under the bright lights of Division 1, so he has to go the long route to get the NBA. It's why the Drew League is the perfect opportunity for him to shine.

"It's the place for the summer. You can really work on your game," Hollis continued. "It's dope."

On Wednesday night, the league had its first all-star game ever with coaches, including LA native Baron Davis and former Laker Metta World Peace. It's the first time the NBA Players Association had ever sanctioned a pro-am event, and former Clipper and now former Laker Montrezl Harrell balled out.

"It's a conditioning thing for me, but it's also just using the drills to get better at my game and in-game situations," Harrell said. "Another reason I come out is for the community, man. A lot of people don't get to financially get to come to the games like they want to, so it gives back to the community really."

Chaniel Smiley has been the Drew League commissioner for the last few years. But it was her father who had the vision to bring free competitive games with top talent to the community 48 years ago.

"I think they love it because it really embodies the rawness, the realness of LA culture," Smiley said. "I mean, it's family, community, it's us giving back to those that are in need. We do scholarships. We do everything year-round."  

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Hollis is thankful to be a part of this atmosphere as he takes his game to the next level.

"I feel like my future is playing the NBA, of course. I'm still young. I'm having all the opportunities in the world. It's just a matter of getting in front of people for me," he said.

Usually, all Drew League games are free, but tickets to the all-star game were sold to raise money for stem education in the greater LA area.