Scott Drew Chat Wrap Up

Chat 1/6/2006 12:00:00 AM

Head men's basketball coach Scott Drew will stop by for a live chat Monday at 11 a.m. CST.

On Aug. 22, 2003, Scott Drew assumed the head coaching position at Baylor University and took over one of the most daunting rebuilding projects in collegiate basketball history.

Two years into his Baylor tenure, basketball followers nationwide have recognized Drew's accomplishments under unprecedented circumstances (all 57 games Drew has coached at Baylor his teams have dressed seven or fewer scholarship players) as he and his staff have quietly served notice that Baylor basketball is on the rise.

After signing back-to-back top-15 recruiting classes and milking better-than-expected seasons out of two severely limited squads, Drew has turned heads and given Bear fans a glimpse of the program's potential.

Spirits are high in Central Texas as the Baylor faithful have seen plenty of encouraging signs in the no-quit playing style of the Bears' recently outmanned teams and the never-ending optimism of their young coach.

Drew, at 35 one of the youngest head coaches in Division I basketball, has long been considered a top-level national recruiter. That reputation was evidenced quickly at Baylor when his first two recruiting classes (the first of which was signed during an abbreviated period after his hiring) were rated 10th and 11th, respectively, in the nation. The two classes are widely considered the best back-to-back groups of basketball recruits to ever sign with Baylor.

Drew came to Baylor after a decade coaching at Valparaiso University, the final year as head coach. He led the Crusaders to a 20-11 record and into the National Invitation Tournament in 2002-2003. Valpo earned the Mid-Continent Conference regular season championship with a 12-2 league record in 2003.

The previous nine seasons, Drew served as an assistant at Valpo under his father, the legendary Homer Drew. He was promoted to associate head coach for the 2001-2002 season. Drew coached his father's 200th win at Valpo (against Oakland on Jan. 27, 2001) when Homer was ill.

In 10 seasons at Valpo, Scott Drew helped lead the team to six NCAA Tournament berths, including the magical 1997-1998 squad that shocked the nation by advancing to the Sweet 16. Valpo made five straight NCAA appearances from 1996-2000.

A 1993 graduate of Butler University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree, Drew earned a master's degree from Valparaiso in 1994. Drew worked with Butler's men's basketball program from 1991-93.

Drew and his wife Kelly are the parents of one daughter, Mackenzie.

Scott Drew: Good morning everyone, thanks for joining me for the chat.

David (Waco): Coach - Several recruits/signees have menioned how impressed they and their families have been with you and your staff's work ethic and positive attitude. Could you give us some insight to how you and your staff continue to garner the interest and signatures of some of the state and nation's best talent? I sure am glad you are at Baylor.

Scott Drew: We work very hard in establishing relationships with recruits. But the key is always when they come to Baylor University and get a chance to meet the Baylor family and that's what makes Baylor special.

Haines (Dallas): What is the latest on Kevin Rogers? Will his injury keep him out of the two games this week?

Scott Drew: First of all, we apologize for the speed of this chat, our network is moving slowly right now. Kevin's groin has been affecting him for the last few weeks and we should know more after tonight's practice.

TC, Dallas: What efforts are being made to ensure that the men have crowds similar to what we saw on Sturday at the FC... for the first 2 games.

Scott Drew: Our marketing department is working very hard to improve our numbers and hopefully over the next few seasons, our fan base will continue to improve.

TIM (HOUSTON): COACH DO YOU THINK THAT LAST YEAR RECRUTING CLASS WILL MAKE AN IMPACTFROM THE START?

Scott Drew: They will definitely have an opportunity to play and make an impact and our coaching staff has been very pleased with their progression. But at the same time, we all know it's tough when freshmen go up against veteran players in the Big 12.

marc,austin: rundown on this year's recruits.

Scott Drew: Demond Carter is a 5-10 guard who recently scored 74 points in a game and was also named MVP at a big Nike tournament in Oregon. Josh Lomers is a 7 foot, 250-pound big man from near San Antonio, who has also been playing very well and was also named MVP of a tournament his team played in. (Editor's mistake on spelling, not Coach Drew's.)

Kevin (Waco): Coach, first off wonderful job so far! I am excited about the future of Baylor Basketball, under your direction! My question is, where do you think the guys are physically and mentally going in to the tech game? Thanks and good luck wednesday!

Scott Drew: Our coaching staff feels like our players are mentally and physically ready to play and right now the only thing lacking from our team would be actual game experience. I'm sure following our first few games adjustments will be made for the betterment of the rest of the season, but I can guarantee there will be no lack of effort come Wednesday night.

Thomas (Waco): I hear we have a high profile recruit coming in this weekend

Scott Drew: Thomas thanks for your question, but due to NCAA rules I am not allowed to comment on that. Most schools try to have recruits come to home games as often as possible.

Steve (Chicago, IL): First, Coach Drew thanks for showing great character as well as great coaching skills. My question is about our growing roster of international talent. It seems more common today that colleges are recruiting internationally. You have brought in some great players from places like Finland, Africa, and, of course, Australia. Does Baylor have more international players on their roster than the other Big 12 schools? Do you plan to continue looking for premier international talent? Are there any NCAA regulations that limit the number of international players that may be on a Division I team?

Scott Drew: Baylor University has a great atmosphere for attracting international students. Since the international players that we have been able to bring to Baylor have enjoyed their experience at Baylor so far, it makes it easier for us to recruit more international players to Baylor in the future. The great thing about basketball is there are no borders and we will go anywhere to find players we feel can help Baylor be successful. There is no NCAA rules limiting the number of international players.

Jeff (Dallas): I appreciate all you've done for Baylor Basketball in your short time here and absolutely can't wait until Wednesday night! Has the basketball practice facility project been well received by recent recruits? What do you believe to be the ceiling for the Baylor program? How do you like the winters here compared to the Midwest? Sic'em Bears!

Scott Drew: Our basketball program and athletic department would like to thank everyone who has made the practice facility possible. This will definitely help us in our recruiting endeavors and just like the rest of the campus, adds to the value of Baylor University. As for the weather, there is a reason people move south when they get older.

JD (Houston): Coach your recruiting efforts have been amazing. I was wondering if you could give us some insight into this process. In a hypothetical situation, if you were to go head to head with Indiana for a prized recruit, how would you go about persuading a kid to come to Baylor over the history and tradition of IU?

Scott Drew: Talk about all of the positives Baylor has to offer and the proud traditions we have along with the chance for the recruits to help add to our tradition.

Eddy (Austin): Thanks for the great job you and your staff are doing. Will you be signing more players this spring for next year?

Scott Drew: We definitely plan to add a few recruits during the late signing period and at the same time we are very pleased with what we were able to sign during the early signing period.

Scott Drew: We have to wrap up now and I'm sorry if I did not get to your question. Hopefully, throughout the course of the season, those questions will be answered on the court. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the games, because we are a team where you can have a big impact on the game as well.

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