On a bright afternoon last March in Whitehaven, hundreds of kids filled tote bags with free books while music pulsed from a DJ booth and laughter echoed from basketball arcade games. At the center of it all stood Trey Draper — former Memphis Tiger, coach, ESPN analyst, author, and now community builder.
The event was Draper’s first HomeT3am Book Fair, a partnership with Champions for Literacy, designed to spark a love for reading and celebrate academic achievement in the very community where his journey began.
But Draper wasn’t on the sidelines. He was in the crowd — hugging kids, and signing books. Children who had worked hard in school were rewarded with more than just encouragement. Those who earned straight A’s received $100 from Draper and a community partner. “You can’t fake influence,” he said. “You can fake a lot of things, but the impact you have on people’s lives — that’s real.”
“This all started,” Draper told The Flyer, “because a kid messaged me on Instagram saying he couldn’t afford my book. If one child feels that way, how many more do? I never want money to be the reason kids don’t read.”
Growing Up in South Memphis
Draper’s story begins in South Memphis, where he learned early that basketball could be a pathway forward. He honed his skills at Mitchell High School, under the guidance of Coach Jerry Johnson, before earning his spot as a point guard for the University of Memphis Tigers in 2010. “Being at the University of Memphis was life-changing,” he reflected. “Not a lot of people get that opportunity.”
It was during those college years that then-assistant coach Damon Stoudamire challenged him to think about life beyond playing. “He told me I should look into coaching. That changed my whole perspective,” Draper said.
After graduating in 2013, he began his coaching journey at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, later returning to Mitchell High School as an assistant coach at just 22 years old. That year, he helped lead the school to its first-ever state championship. From there, opportunities carried him to IMG Academy and beyond, cementing his reputation as a coach, mentor, and leader.
Basketball as Purpose
Basketball was never just about wins or losses for Draper — it was about purpose. “He’s the reason I picked up a basketball,” Draper said of his father, Leonard Jr. “From there, I’ve been blessed to make a living off the game.”
At the book fair, Draper’s parents, Leonard and Wanda Draper, were watching closely. “We are just so proud of him,” Leonard said. “He’s doing great things in the community, and as time goes on and he continues to do more things like this, his impact will only grow.” Wanda added, “As a mother, seeing him use what he loves to uplift others — it fills my heart. This is what parenting is about, seeing your child give back.”
His grandfather, Leonard Sr., put it simply: “Trey is using the game not just to succeed for himself, but to give back, and that’s what makes us proud.”
Giving Memphis Its Flowers
The book fair drew a wide circle of support. Former Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen, aka “The Grindfather,” came out, recognizing that Draper’s efforts mirrored his own journey out of Chicago’s South Side. Dr. Marie Feagins, the former superintendent of MSCS, also attended, alongside the ever-spirited Grizz Grannies and Grandpas and a performance by L.Y.E. Academy.
Phil Morant, uncle of NBA star Ja Morant, summed up what many felt: “Trey is our brother in this city. He’s always representing Memphis, always doing big things here. When somebody shows this kind of love for his hometown, you have to support it.”
Trainer Mo Wells, a longtime friend, echoed the importance of Draper’s presence. “Too many times people just throw money at things. What kids really want is your time. They want to see you care. And Trey shows up — he’s the example they need.”
Speaking Up for Memphis
That loyalty to Memphis runs deep. When a national sports personality criticized the city earlier in the summer, Draper didn’t stay silent. “If you ain’t been to Memphis, you ain’t pulled up on Memphis, you ain’t worked in the city or lived here — bro, you can’t talk about the city,” he said.
While he acknowledges the reality of crime, he believes the narrative is incomplete. “As somebody that is from here, and for people that actually visit and play here, they love it. They want to come back.” His call was simple: “The way we rally together on Twitter and Instagram, we need to rally together in the city like that.”
Beyond Borders
Draper’s impact is no longer confined to Memphis. From late July through early August, he traveled as part of Ja Morant’s Nike “Make Them Watch” Tour, a whirlwind journey covering 22 days, four countries, 45,000 miles, and five time zones. For Draper, it was another chance to carry Memphis pride onto a global stage.
“Moved with purpose. Collected moments. Left impact,” he reflected after the tour. His focus wasn’t on the miles traveled but on the faces he saw — kids overseas who reminded him of his younger self, families who saw in him the possibility of something greater. “Grace. Gratitude. God,” he added. “Those values keep me grounded no matter how far I go.”
Coming Full Circle
The consistency of his work, whether in Whitehaven or across the globe, has made Draper a trusted voice, mentor, and symbol of what’s possible. His book, Winning Language: The Power of Relationships, Loyalty, and Integrity, doubles down on those principles, offering lessons in mindset and communication.
Looking around at the sea of families at his book fair, Draper felt it all come full circle. “You cannot fake influence,” he said again, as if reminding himself. “What you can’t fake is the impact you have on people’s lives. And I’ll do everything in my power to help and inspire others.”