Basketball, Faith, and Family: The Shaw Family’s Interconnected Journey in College Basketball

The Shaw family’s lives revolve around faith and family, with sports and religion intertwining seamlessly. Casey and Dana Shaw, along with their four children, embody this connection in their daily lives. Two of their sons, Isaiah and Caleb, play basketball under their uncle, Bryce Drew, who is not only the head coach but also Dana’s brother. Both the Shaw and Drew families are deeply rooted in Christianity, with Bryce Drew coaching at GCU and Scott Drew at Baylor, leading men’s programs at Christian schools.

In 2024, both GCU and Baylor made it to the Men’s NCAA Tournament, with each team winning a game in the first round. While Baylor’s victory was expected after their title win in 2021, GCU’s success was more surprising as it was their first tournament win since moving up to Division I in 2013. Casey Shaw believes that incorporating biblical principles into coaching helps create a healthy program. He has worked alongside Bryce Drew for seven years and emphasizes the importance of culture within their team. Selflessness, teamwork, unity, togetherness, and sacrifice are key values that they prioritize within their program.

Similarly, Scott Drew at Baylor focuses on fostering a culture of JOY (Jesus-centered Outreach Youth). This prioritization of faith and community within the team’s dynamic has led to continued success for both schools. Paul Putz from Baylor’s Faith and Sports Institute recognizes Scott Drew’s commitment to placing Jesus at the forefront of their program. The emphasis on faith is a central aspect of their coaching philosophy that leads to positive outcomes both on and off the court.

The Shaw family believes that sports should be used as a platform for spreading God’s message. They believe that by using sports as a tool for evangelism