The Unified Government Board of Commissioners will honor Larry Drew, former professional basketball player and current assistant coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, during the commission meeting at City Hall at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.
Mayor Mark Holland will present the former Wyandotte High School standout with a proclamation in recognition of his many achievements during his career. Drew will be visiting his home town this weekend to hold an autograph signing event from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Peace and Fellowship Community Church, 8550 Parkway in Kansas City, Kan.
“I will always have a close connection with my hometown of KCK. This is where I grew up, attended school and made my first connections in life,” Drew said.
“To see someone giving back to our community is a big part of what we value. We’re very grateful for his commitment to his hometown and using his star power to bring awareness to the issues in our community and to lift up the rest of the community is a great gift,” Mayor Holland said.
Due to his demanding schedule with the NBA and raising three children with his wife Sharon, it’s been two years since Drew has visited Kansas City, Kan. He says he’s looking forward to returning home and visiting his home church where his brother, James Drew Jr., is the pastor.
“My family and I are very close and I always enjoy a home cooked meal from Mom and visiting with my siblings,” Drew said. “I will take full advantage of every opportunity to enjoy my hometown.”
After high school, Larry Drew played for the University of Missouri under coach Norm Stewart from 1976 to 1980. He had a long 10-year career in the NBA, which began when he was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Pistons in 1980. He played one year for the Pistons before coming back home to Kansas City to play for the Kings, which later relocated to Sacramento, Calif.
After his playing career, he served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, New Jersey Nets and Atlanta Hawks. He was head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2010 to 2013. After his head coaching stint in Atlanta, the Milwaukee Bucks hired Drew as the head coach for a season. He now is currently the assistant coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers which is known for the NBA’s star studded player, LeBron James.
“We’re very proud of our native son Larry Drew and all of his accomplishments showing that world class athletes and people come from Kansas City, Kansas,” Holland said.