news-category: In Memoriam

GWU Hoops Legend John Drew Dies at Age 67

John Drew plays basketball

Drew’s No. 22 Jersey One of Four Men’s Basketball Jerseys to be Retired

By Gardner-Webb Athletic Media Relations

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb mourns the loss of men’s basketball legend John Drew, who passed away in Houston, Texas, on April 10, 2022, at the age of 67.

Drew’s No. 22 jersey hangs in the rafters inside Gardner-Webb’s Paul Porter Arena. It is one of only four men’s basketball jerseys to be retired, joined by Artis Gilmore, George Adams and Eddie Lee Wilkins.

A native of Vredenburgh, Ala., Drew played for the Runnin’ Bulldogs from 1972-1974 and was immediately a star under Coach Eddie Holbrook. The 6-foot-6 forward burst on the scene by averaging 24.4 points per game during the 1972-73 season and earned NAIA All-America honors in 1973-74 after pumping in 25.9 points and 13.0 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

He was part of Gardner-Webb teams that won 43 games during his career, including a stellar 25-3 mark in his final campaign. The high-powered Runnin’ Bulldogs earned the No. 3 seed that season in the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, Mo.

Drew remains Gardner-Webb’s highest draft pick by any of the major professional sports leagues in the United States – drafted with the 25th overall pick by the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 18.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per games in 1974-75 with the Hawks, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team in the process.

Drew finished second in NBA Rookie of the Year voting that season.

He was a two-time NBA All-Star selection, with his best season coming in 1976-77 when he scored 24.2 points per game. He topped 20 points per game again over the next two seasons and again in 1980-81 and – after being traded to the Utah Jazz – in 1982-83.

He finished his career with 15,291 points, which is the top mark for all rookies in the 1974 NBA Draft class. Drew made 4,319 career free throws and shot 74.8 percent from the line during his 739-game career in the NBA.

Before heading off to college at Gardner-Webb, Drew earned elite status in the Alabama high school ranks playing for J.F. Shields High. He remains one of the most heralded basketball players the state has ever produced.

Drew scored 41.0 points per game for his career and averaged 44.0 points per game as a senior – earning third-team Parade All-America honors. His career and single-season scoring marks remain atop the state’s record books.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.

Previous News Article

Gardner-Webb Announces Barnes & Noble will Manage University Campus Shop

Next News Article

Dr. W. Randall Lolley, Former Gardner-Webb Trustee, Dies at 90

Related News

  • News Article

    Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Hosts Leader of Rural Development Coalition on Oct. 2-3

    Free Mary Washburn Wilson Lectures Features Rev. Dr. K. Jason Coker Speaking on Poverty Relief BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Rev. Dr. K. Jason Coker, a leader in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, […]

  • News Article

    Basic Camp Provides Opportunity for Eligible Rising Juniors to Join Army ROTC at Gardner-Webb

    30-Day Camps Offered Over the Summer Provide Path to Enrollment BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Army ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) offers qualified rising juniors (for Fall 2024) an opportunity to enroll […]

    Cadet Parker Corwin receives a pin from an officer
  • News Article

    Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Recognizes Charles B. Keesee Fund Leaders at Convocation

    Program Also Introduces 2023 Recipient of The Fund’s Vernie W. Lewis Scholarship, Lindsay M. Karbach BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity faculty and staff and GWU President Dr. […]

    The Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Fall Convocation welcomed leaders of the Charles B. Keesee Fund. The Keesee Fund has supported the divinity school since 2006 in various ways, including providing scholarships to students. This photo includes winners of the Vernie W. Lewis Scholarship, which was established in 2021. Front row, from left, are Joy Axelsson, 2022 recipient; Lindsay Karback, this year’s recipient; and Avery Woods Young, 2021 recipient. The Keesee representatives on the back row, from left, are Trustee Martha Medley, Executive Director Sandra Prilliman, Trustee John Fulcher, Vice President and Trustee Douglas Ramsey, and President Ryan Hutchinson.