Matt Levins- The Hawk Eye / John Gaines Photography
It took a year longer than he expected, but Jack Drew is finally right where he wants to be.
The former Notre Dame High School standout, after playing last season at Southeastern Community College, has transferred to play men’s basketball this season at Monmouth College.
That is right where Drew wanted to be all along.
“My sister’s husband (Parker Davis) went there for soccer and he told me how nice it is there,” Drew said. “Their coach (Bob Foster) actually reached out to me my senior year of high school, but I wanted to go to SCC and play for Zo (Lorenzo Watkins) and use that as a growing experience. Now I’m ready to move on and play for Monmouth College.”
Drew, a 6-foot-3 guard, averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game and shot 51.6 percent from the field two seasons ago for Notre Dame. He was a first team all-conference pick and helped Notre Dame to a 19-5 record and a berth in a Class 1A substate final, coming up just short in a loss to North Linn.
Drew is a sharp-shooter who also has the height to get to the rim. He was a perfect complement to Shay Stephens as one of the top guard tandems in the state his senior season for the Nikes.
Drew credits Gavin Kies with helping him get prepared for SCC.
“Gavin was the biggest influence on me,” Drew said. “He told me what I need to work on. He told me I really had to push myself to get better every day. He told me to make sure I didn’t just get up shots, but make them good reps, Just getting up shots isn’t good enough.”
Drew said playing for Watkins helped open his eyes to basketball at the next level. He feels he learned his lessons well while seeing limited time in just four games.
“He taught me about the speed and pace of the game,” Drew said. “The game is so much quicker than high school. He did a great job of getting me ready to move on to Monmouth College and succeed. I felt like I was ready to guard at the college level, but I think I am much more ready now after spending a year with Zo.”
Monmouth College, an NCAA Division III program, competes in the Midwest Conference. The Fighting Scots went 20-7 last season, including 14-2 in the conference. They finished second in the Midwest Conference Tournament.
Drew won’t have to wait long to get started. Classes and basketball both start on Thursday.
Monmouth College opens the season Nov. 2 with a game at Bradley. The Fighting Scots’ first home game is Nov. 10 against Eureka College.
Drew is ready for his next challenge.
“They have a great program and a great educational program. Plus, it’s just 45 minutes away from home, so I can drive back and forth. I am really close with my family,” Drew said. “I’ve been working this summer, but before and after work I go get as many shots up as I can and lift weights to stay in shape. I’m excited to get over there and get started.”