John Drew (basketball) facts for kids
Drew in 1974
|
|
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 30, 1954 Vredenburgh, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | April 10, 2022 (aged 67) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| High school | J. F. Shields (Beatrice, Alabama) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Gardner–Webb (1972–1974) |
| NBA Draft | 1974 / Round: 2 / Pick: 25th overall |
| Selected by the Atlanta Hawks | |
| Pro career | 1974–1986 |
| Career history | |
| 1974–1982 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1982–1984 | Utah Jazz |
| 1984–1986 | Wyoming Wildcatters |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 15,291 (20.7 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 5,088 (6.9 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,224 (1.7 apg) |
John Edward Drew (born September 30, 1954 – died April 10, 2022) was an American professional basketball player. He was a talented small forward who played for eleven seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). John Drew was known for his strong scoring and rebounding skills on the court.
Contents
Early Life and High School Basketball
John Drew was born in Vredenburgh, Alabama, on September 30, 1954. He grew up loving basketball. John went to J.F. Shields High School in Beatrice, Alabama.
He was an amazing player in high school. In 1972, he led his school team to win a state championship. John also set a record for the highest career scoring average in Alabama high school history. He scored an incredible 41.0 points per game!
College Basketball Career
After high school, John Drew continued his basketball journey at Gardner–Webb University. He quickly showed his skills in college. In his first year, called his freshman year, he averaged 24.4 points per game.
He got even better in his second year, his sophomore year. That season, he averaged 25.9 points and 13 rebounds per game. His great college performance caught the eye of NBA teams.
In 1974, the Atlanta Hawks picked him in the second round of the 1974 NBA draft. John Drew is one of only a few players from Gardner–Webb University to play in the NBA.
Professional Basketball Journey
John Drew had a successful career in the NBA. He played for the Atlanta Hawks and the Utah Jazz.
Atlanta Hawks: A Star Player (1974–1982)
John Drew made his NBA debut on October 18, 1974. He had an amazing first game, scoring 32 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. He also made three assists against the Chicago Bulls.
He quickly became a key player for the Hawks. In his first season, he averaged 18.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. He even led the NBA in offensive rebounds. Because of his strong start, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team.
From 1974 to 1982, John Drew was a star for the Atlanta Hawks. He was chosen to be an All-Star twice, in 1976 and 1980. He scored more than 20 points per game in five different seasons. In his second season, he averaged 21.6 points and became an All-Star for the first time. The next year, he averaged almost 25 points per game. He was often among the top 10 scorers in the NBA during these years.
Utah Jazz: New Team, New Challenges (1982–1984)
On September 2, 1982, John Drew was traded to the Utah Jazz. He played for the Jazz for three seasons. He continued to show his talent, even winning the Player of the Week award in March 1983.
His time with the Jazz ended early in the 1984–85 season due to personal challenges. John Drew finished his NBA career with a total of 15,291 points. He averaged 20.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game throughout his career.
Wyoming Wildcatters: A Return to the Court (1984–1986)
After his time in the NBA, John Drew played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). He hoped to make it back to the NBA. He spent two years playing for the Wyoming Wildcatters. During this time, he became an All-Star in the CBA.
Later Life and Legacy
After his basketball career, John Drew lived a more private life. In 2002, he shared that he was managing personal struggles. He later worked as a taxi driver in Houston.
John Drew passed away on April 10, 2022, in Houston, Texas. He was 67 years old. He had been battling bone cancer before his death.
See also
- American men's basketball players
