Dont get it confused... Despite its MAMMOTH success last summer, the Drew League has been around for quite some time, my friend. The league was started in 1973 by Alvin Willis as an outlet for inner city men and women. The idea was to use basketball as a way to build relationships on the court that could be taken and applied off-court. At a time of bourgeoning gang violence and police brutality, this would be key to the city.