Statement by Drew
- Thread starter University-6
- Start date
Ok, a couple thoughts here... and keep in my mind, I'm a pastor at a Southern Baptist Church. I hope ya'll won't hold that against me if you didn't already know, but...
1. Baylor is a Southern Baptist University and Scott Drew has been a perfect fit there because of his strong, outspoken faith. I believe Mitch Barnhart is also a strong Christian and that may be why those 2 hit it off so strongly back in 2021 when Mitch was the NCAA liaison at the Final Four. I think Mitch thought their relationship would make this move for Drew an easy transition. Clearly, he was wrong about that. I doubt seriously Drew has anything against UK, just didn't feel led (yes, that's a God kind of thing) to come here.
2. There is no doubt, even though Drew could obviously remain a strong Christian coaching at UK, the outspoken part of it and the statements regarding Jesus Christ being the focus and center of the program would have to be dialed back at a state school. Depending on your point of view, that is either unfortunate or a good thing, but either way, it's just the way it would have to be. I'm sure that was clear to the entire family. So, if Scott Drew wanted to continue to make Jesus Christ and faith the center point of the program, coming to UK would be a mistake. Some of that would be fine- Calipari would talk about his faith at times, and so did Tubby Smith, but Drew has been more outspoken about it at Baylor from all I've read and heard from him. Scott Drew even said his first priority was for his players to go to heaven when they die. Calipari was a believer but seemed more concerned they make it to the NBA than anywhere else, at least outwardly that seemed the case.
3. I do respect Scott Drew for standing by his faith and his family. I agree with him that there are no higher priorities. I also agree that UK (and pretty much any big name program) would not likely be a good fit for him. And by the way, after what I've read about Drew in these last several days, I have to revoke and withdraw that thread about Scott Drew being Calipari "light." They are clearly not on the same page at all. I had no idea Drew was such a strong and outspoken Christian in his coaching position at Baylor.
1. Baylor is a Southern Baptist University and Scott Drew has been a perfect fit there because of his strong, outspoken faith. I believe Mitch Barnhart is also a strong Christian and that may be why those 2 hit it off so strongly back in 2021 when Mitch was the NCAA liaison at the Final Four. I think Mitch thought their relationship would make this move for Drew an easy transition. Clearly, he was wrong about that. I doubt seriously Drew has anything against UK, just didn't feel led (yes, that's a God kind of thing) to come here.
2. There is no doubt, even though Drew could obviously remain a strong Christian coaching at UK, the outspoken part of it and the statements regarding Jesus Christ being the focus and center of the program would have to be dialed back at a state school. Depending on your point of view, that is either unfortunate or a good thing, but either way, it's just the way it would have to be. I'm sure that was clear to the entire family. So, if Scott Drew wanted to continue to make Jesus Christ and faith the center point of the program, coming to UK would be a mistake. Some of that would be fine- Calipari would talk about his faith at times, and so did Tubby Smith, but Drew has been more outspoken about it at Baylor from all I've read and heard from him. Scott Drew even said his first priority was for his players to go to heaven when they die. Calipari was a believer but seemed more concerned they make it to the NBA than anywhere else, at least outwardly that seemed the case.
3. I do respect Scott Drew for standing by his faith and his family. I agree with him that there are no higher priorities. I also agree that UK (and pretty much any big name program) would not likely be a good fit for him. And by the way, after what I've read about Drew in these last several days, I have to revoke and withdraw that thread about Scott Drew being Calipari "light." They are clearly not on the same page at all. I had no idea Drew was such a strong and outspoken Christian in his coaching position at Baylor.
