WSU Cougars both past and present set for Crawsover Pro-Am

One of the most cherished Seattle hoops traditions is returning this weekend as The Crawsover pro-am will get underway after its COVID-19 hiatus in 2020, and a handful of Washington State Cougars are set to feature in the event.

The Crawsover — which draws its name from former Rainier Beach H.S. and NBA star Jamal Crawford, one of the event’s co-commissioners — is a summer league that features teams comprised of NBA, NCAA, and even high school players from the Seattle area in a round-robin tournament over the months of July and August at Seattle Pacific University near Fremont. It’s a rare chance to see basketball stars up close, particularly in a city that hasn’t had pro basketball since the Seattle SuperSonics left in 2008.

WSU will be well represented this year. Current WSU guard Noah Williams (out of O’Dea H.S. in Seattle) and former WSU guard Malachi Flynn (out of Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma and currently of the Toronto Raptors) will team up on the Washington’s Finest squad; CJ Elleby (out of Cleveland H.S. in Seattle) will play on The Unit with former UW star Isaiah Thomas; Robert Franks (out of Evergreen H.S. in Vancouver and most recently of the Orlando Magic) will play with the Real Ballers.

You’ll see a lot of other names you’ll recognize on the rosters.

If you’re thinking about heading out this weekend — all games are at SPU and admission is free — here are the games featuring Cougs:

• Washington’s Finest (Williams and Flynn) vs. Worldwidesm — Saturday, 3 p.m.
• Real Ballers (Franks) vs. Dream Team — Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
• The Unit (Elleby) vs. PNW Rain — Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
• Washington’s Finest vs. The Sonics — Sunday, 3 p.m.

Be warned, though: It’s unlikely you’ll walk in at game time and find a seat. Capacity is reduced because of COVID restrictions, and the event is best known for the unannounced appearances of superstars — Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving and Blake Griffin have all played in games over the years — so it tends to be well attended.

Here’s the full schedule:

The event was founded by Rainier Beach alum and former NBA player Doug Christie back in 1995, with Crawford assuming control in 2005.

LINKS

The Crawsover Pro-Am is coming back to Seattle this summer with plenty of star power. Here’s who will be playing. | The Seattle Times
The local basketball stars are returning home this summer to participate in Jamal Crawford’s summer Pro-Am, The Crawsover. Rosters and schedules for the eight-team, six-week tournament were released Wednesday. Here's...

Return of the Crawsover: Jamal Crawford’s prestigious Pro-Am returns to Seattle after one-year hiatus | The Seattle Times
The Crawsover, Jamal Crawford's beloved Pro-Am, is back this summer after a one-year hiatus. Here's how Seattle's popular basketball event came together and what to expect from the return.

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