Baylor's Scott Drew Reflects on Emotional Matchup Against Kansas State
In a matchup that felt straight out of a drama, Baylor's head coach Scott Drew found himself facing Kansas State under unique circumstances. The Wildcats had just parted ways with Jerome Tang, Drew's longtime friend and former coaching partner, making Tuesday's game a whirlwind of emotions.
Despite Baylor's struggles this season, Drew anticipated a tough battle against Kansas State, and his instincts were spot on. The Wildcats snapped their six-game losing streak with a decisive 90-74 victory.
"Jerome's like family; we've won championships together," Drew shared. "It's been tough for me and my staff.
When someone close to you faces hardship, you feel it too. Jerome's dedication to Kansas State and his coaches is undeniable.
Their performance showed what they can achieve."
Drew and Tang's partnership at Baylor from 2003 to 2022 was transformative, culminating in a national championship in 2021. Tang's recent dismissal on February 15 sparked widespread debate, as he retained high-profile lawyers to contest the terms of his firing.
During his time in Manhattan, Drew prioritized supporting Tang. "Coach Tang is resilient and optimistic," Drew noted. "He had chances to leave Kansas State but stayed out of love for the community and the school."
Reflecting on the game, Drew echoed Tang's sentiments from a previous press conference, expressing disappointment in his team's effort. "Tonight, I'm the embarrassed one. Our fans deserve better, and we didn't deliver."
Despite the turmoil, Drew praised the leadership within Kansas State's program, particularly Nate Johnson and interim coach Matthew Driscoll, a former colleague at Baylor. "Nate's leadership has been commendable, and Matthew is incredibly loyal and hardworking. Facing family on the court is bittersweet."
As the dust settles, Drew is relieved to have a moment to regroup. "I need a break," he admitted. "This has been an emotional rollercoaster."
In this challenging chapter, Drew's focus remains on supporting his friend while navigating the complexities of collegiate basketball.