Dawg Pound Elite is a pro-am team competing in the world famous Drew League; which is based at King Drew Magnet High School (aka “The Drew”) in nearby Los Angeles, CA. The organization brings players from the post grad, collegiate, and overseas professional ranks together for a weekly exhibition event at Study Hall Hoops.

It’s noteworthy to point out, Dawg Pound Elite made it to the semi-finals of last year’s Drew League. Study Hall Hoops wishes them the best of luck as they prepare for this year’s Drew League.

Alvin Wills established the Drew League in 1973 with 6 teams.  Wills believed this league (which would affectionately become known as “The Drew”) could be a place for young men and women of South Central Los Angeles to learn life lessons through basketball.

The goal was to help young people form meaningful relationships on the court that would spill over into the neighborhood, as well as build an institution that would bring top local high school, college, and professional players back to the community.

As a long time friend and mentor to Dino Smiley, in 1985 Wills decided it was time to let Smiley have a shot at directing the league.  By 1985 the league had grown from the original 6 teams to 10 teams.  Today the league matches up 28 “invitation-only” teams to battle it out on the hardwood.

Fifty plus years ago, no one would have predicted that the gym at Charles Drew Junior High School (on the corner of Compton and Firestone) would play host to Southern California’s toughest competition, attracting streetball legends, collegiate athletes, and NBA stars alike.

The list of notable players could go on and on, but here are just a few who have graced the Drew League court:

• Kobe Bryant

• Raymond Lewis

• Lester Conner

• Byron Scott

• John Williams

• Greg Anthony

• LeBron James

• Michael Cooper

• Kevin Durant

• Paul Pierce

• Allen Caveness

• Andre Miller

• Kenny “Bad Santa” Brunner

• Bobby Brown

• Jason Hart

• Trevor Ariza

• Craig Smith

• Nick Young

• Dorell Wright

• Marcus Williams

• JaVale McGee

• Brandon Jennings

• DeMar DeRozan

• James Harden

• Cuttino Mobley

• Baron Davis

• Casper Ware Jr.

• Paul George

• Metta World Peace

• John Wall

• JR Smith

• Mo Spillers

• Mike Brown

• Dane Suttles

• Casper Ware Sr.

• Brandon Bowman

• Doug Thomas

• Dwayne Allen

• Russell Brown

• Jeff Calhoun

• Rob “Sic-wit-it” Kennedy

• Mark “Goggles” Neal

• James “Gumby” Gray

• Robert Smith

• Lamar “Black pearl” Gayle

Not to mention the many well-known college, streetball, high school, and international professionals who have played at “The Drew”.

“The Drew” has also been home to some special people like Eyleen Carlyle, the 1st female coach in the history of the league who went on to win coach of the year in the Drew Summer League.

“The Drew” has been a Mecca for west coast pro-am basketball for 50+ years, and it is only getting stronger!

Dates: Sunday evenings through Summer 2025 (i.e. June, July, and August)

Schedule:
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM — Middle School Game #1
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM — Middle School Game #2
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM — High School Game #1
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM — High School Game #2
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM — Dawg Pound Elite Exhibition

Study Hall Hoops is based in La Cañada Flintridge, CA. Events are typically hosted at Flintridge Intermediate School (FIS) Gymnasium; which is located directly across the street from the Tennis courts at:

4490 Cornishon Avenue
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

NOTE: Study Hall Hoops commonly refers to the FIS Gymnasium as “The CLASSROOM”.

For more details, click here.

Exhibition Event (Grades 9-12+)

NOTE: Exhibition Event are invite only. Please complete and submit a registration form (above) for consideration.

Please complete and submit a registration form (above) if you would like to participate in the Exhibition Event.

Send questions to info@studyhallhoops.com.