"Who knew that a 28.5" ball could bring you all of these things?" This is the question Drew Edelman poses and reflects on as she describes the impact that basketball has had in her life. For Drew, although the sport was a world she was introduced to in the eighth grade—after growing up playing soccer—and one she recalls developing a deep love for, it was an activity she took day-by-day. An activity she had fun with and was committed to improving on every chance she got without planning too far in advance. Little did she know though, but it would be her journey in this very game that would introduce her to some of her closest friends, present her with opportunities to attend college on scholarship, and allow her to travel all around the world in the years to come. Throughout her time in high school, Drew remained focused on strengthening her skills on the court and developing her game. Upon graduation, she embarked on her collegiate career at USC—where she played two seasons—before transferring to UC Santa Barbara. It was during her time at UC Santa Barbara where Drew began to explore the chance to play the game at the next level. Sure enough, she did just that. After connecting with her agent, Julianne Dinda, Drew received an offer to play in Israel and officially embarked on her professional basketball career. The rest is history! From playing in the EuroLeague to joining Israel's national team to participating in the FIBA 3X3 tournament, Drew has continued to reach new heights throughout her basketball career. Along with this, she has also explored and pursued her passions off the court in music and wellness. As she continues her journey in the space, Drew is looking forward to embracing all the different experiences that the sport brings to her life; while also diving further into her interests beyond the game.
Let’s start with your journey in college! You played at both USC and UCSB. How do you think your game elevated throughout your time in college to prepare you for the next level?
When I was in high school and club, I was more versatile in a way and would play in a lot more places. Then in college, especially at Santa Barbara, my coach helped me specialize in being a post player, sealing, the art of using my body, and doing my work early. That wasn't something that I really knew about as much. I (did) a little bit with my club coach, but at Santa Barbara, Bonnie Henrickson really taught me how to seal, how to hold people, and score without even having to dribble. At first, I think I averaged like six dribbles a game or something stupid (*laughs*). So I definitely learned how to just specialize much more. I like to think of myself as a little Tim Duncan. You know, it's very fundamental. I love to be efficient.
Now, throughout your time playing in the EuroLeague, you've played in an array of countries as well as with Israel’s national team. Could you share more with us about your professional career and journey playing in Israel?
So I played for three years and then I actually retired. Then this last season, I came out of retirement to play again. This was my first year back. My first year was so much fun. You know, I had a big role on the team. I was playing 30-35 minutes a game. Me and the coach were good, and then the next two years following were downhill. By my third year, I was having a meltdown in the parking lot screaming at my agent to get me out of the country, and the team wouldn't release me. Playing in Israel, I love the country and I loved the girls. It was so much fun, but I was kind of finessed out of playing on the national team and I was finessed out of playing on EuroCup. You know, I was on the team, but I couldn't play because our coach had lied to us about how many Jewish Americans could be on the court at the same time. That was a big goal of mine too. So after being lied to so many times, and just my role declining, I was like: “You know, maybe this isn't it for me.” I eventually came back and I got to play on the national team this year. Now, I'm on the Israeli FIBA 3X3 team. What I'm doing right now is by far the best basketball experience I've had in this country. I finally feel like I'm playing my game, and it's beneficial to everyone around me. I'm valued for what it is that I really do on the court; not to mention I love everyone—I love the coach, all my teammates—and it's really a game of chemistry.
That’s awesome! Take us through that journey of making your way back to basketball after retiring. How did you find your way back into the game?
Even though I wasn't playing professionally anymore, I never stopped (playing) in LA. I was in maybe three or four different leagues going on. I was heavily recruited to all the Pro-Am (events) that weren't for money or anything, but for a lot of clout or just like a fun time. So I stayed in shape, I was still good at it, and I actually started working in the music industry. That started out as an all-time high experience, and over time kind of got lower and lower—similar to basketball (*laughs*). On a whim, I ended up getting an offer from one of my previous owners who was like: “Just come play for us again.” I was like: “You know what, let's go. Let's just go for it.” So I think because I was so unhappy in all the other aspects of my life, and I always remembered (that) basketball made me happy—and I actually had so many friends coming back to play—, I was like: “Let's just give it one more shot. Worst comes to worst, I'm in my homeland surrounded by a bunch of friends and at the end of the day playing a sport that I know I love.” It ended up being one of the best decisions I've made.
What are some key takeaways or lessons that you have learned from your time playing overseas that you would share with someone that wants to play abroad as well?
Wow! Some of my lessons from playing over here…I think it just shapes you into the person you are. There's so much time off the court to figure out who you are, I think you just have to have long-term vision. Everyone always tells me: “Play as long as you can. Play as long as you can.” It’s true because everything your friends are doing back home, it's always there. None of that ever changes. The only thing that's going to change is your body will age and you won't be able to hoop, so take advantage of it while you can and prepare while you're here with all the extra time you have. Prepare (for) what you want to do the rest of your life. You have a lot more time left to do that, it's just (about) always maintaining that mindset of having a long-term vision and knowing that where you are isn't permanent—but being present and enjoying this moment because it's going to fly by so quickly.
You've been traveling all around Europe playing in the 3x3 Tournament. What have those experiences been like for you?