Lexington, Kentucky – After the departure of John Calipari as the Men’s basketball coach, Kentucky is setting its sights on Baylor’s Scott Drew to fill the position, as reported by NJ.com’s Adam Zagoria. The Wildcats are currently in talks with Drew, aiming to secure him as their new head coach.
Mitch Barnhart, the athletic director at UK, and Drew have a strong relationship dating back to the 2021 NCAA Tournament. This connection was formed when Barnhart, as the tournament’s committee chair, spent time around Drew and the Baylor team during their championship run.
Drew took over as the head coach of Baylor in 2003, inheriting a program with limited tournament success. Under his leadership, Baylor has notched numerous NCAA Tournament appearances, including a historic national championship in 2021.
Throughout his tenure, Drew has been recognized as a top coach in the Big 12, earning multiple Coach of the Year awards and leading the Bears to two regular-season conference titles.
Aside from his coaching accolades, Drew has established himself as a successful recruiter, attracting top talent to Baylor both from high schools and the transfer portal. His ability to develop players is evidenced by the 13 NBA Draft picks he has produced during his coaching career.
Baylor’s success under Drew has also extended off the court, with the program consistently ranking among the top in recruiting classes. The incoming freshman class, headlined by standout VJ Edgecombe, reflects his commitment to maintaining a competitive roster for the Bears.
In the basketball world, Drew’s name carries weight not just for his coaching achievements but also for his dedication to the sport. If he were to make the move to Kentucky, it would mark a significant transition for both programs, potentially shaping the future of college basketball in the process.