Scott Drew: 'I don't want to let the Baylor family down'

Scott Drew and Baylor are all that the other has known for the past two decades. That made it easier for him to decide to return to Waco for his 22nd season this upcoming year.

Drew addressed the fact that he was under consideration for other jobs elsewhere this offseason during a recent press conference last week. He began by making it clear that he did not think about any of those potential opportunities until after this past season came to an end for the Bears with a 24-11 record after the Round of 32.

“Good question,” said Drew. “During the season, I’m really focused and locked in with our team. Whatever people say or speak of, I really don’t follow that. That’s why coaches have agents nowadays. So, season ends and then you can have a conversation. During the season, it’s 100% locked in on what we’re doing and trying to accomplish.”

“We had an amazing group, loved coming to practice each and every day with them. Great staff as I already mentioned,” Drew added.

However, at least two other openings came calling about Drew. Louisville had reported interest in him while Kentucky then had their own legitimate chance to hire him.

In the end, though, Drew decided to stay at Baylor. Much of that decision came down to the resources available to him with his current program. With those there for the Bears, he feels confident that he and his team won’t be disappointing their fanbase in the years to come.

“Basketball has changed a lot with the portal, with NIL. Baylor and Mack Rhoades have done a fabulous job and phenomenal job in making sure we can stay competitive and make sure that we have a chance to win the last game,” said Drew. “All of us, when you’ve won a national championship, when you’ve won conference championships? I mean, personally, I don’t want to let the Baylor family down. I don’t want to be in a position where we can’t be successful. The great thing is President Livingstone, the administration, and the Baylor family has made sure that that’s not the case.”

Baylor is 446-244 (.646) through 21 seasons under Drew. That includes a great run in the 2020s with a record of 128-35 (.785) over the past five years. They’ve twice won the regular season in the Big 12 in that time. They’ve also made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament, which would have been five had it not been for the pandemic, with the Bears having won their lone national title in 2021.

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, especially when it’s as green as Drew sees it. That’s why he stayed with the Bears and plans to keep their run rolling with him, those assets, and all of their efforts still present.

“We have every opportunity to compete for championships. That’s what we want to do at Baylor,” Drew said. “That’s what we worked and put in a lot of time and effort to accomplish and get to. It doesn’t guarantee anyone’s going to win the last game but having a chance is really important to everyone at Baylor, I know, as well as with our staff.”