Living it out: Bryce Drew takes his spirtual walk to the NBA

Living It Out
Bryce Drew takes his spiritual walk to the NBA

Former Valpariso guard Bryce Drew will always be know for "The Shot" but he would just assoon be know for The Life he lives on a daily basis.
Drew led Valparaiso Crusaders into the NCAA "Sweet 16" of the 1998 NCAA Men's Basketball tournment. He opened the single-elimination even with a dramatic last-second, game winning basket to beat Mississippi, then guided his team to the third round. He capped his year by being drafted in the NBA's first round to the Houston Rockets and now is getting a chance to fulfill his dream of playing professional basketball.
His basketball journey is so very special, not just because the highlights along the way, but because of the opportunity for Drew to share his deeply held beliefs.
"It's just amazing that we made it to the Sweet 16 and had media outlets all over America come to hear our story," he said. "I was just happy to share Christ and serve him, but its more important to serve him by our actions than our words."
Drew, 25, has long been involved in a variety of faith-based endeavors over his years in the game. He has worked in several youth camps along with giving his testimony on a regular basis. He said Valaparasio's 1998 dream season was an unexpected opportunity to share his faith in God.
"I received a lot of letter from people thanking me for my stand for Christ," Drew said. "I'm just happy that somebody cares about that."
Along with leading the Crusaders on their improbable NCAA tournament trip, Bryce had the pleasure of playing for his dad, Homer. The senior Drew is the Valparaiso head coach and his older brother, Scott, has been an assistant at valparaiso for the last five years. Basketball is clearly a family experience for the Drews.
"Playing for my dad the last four years created a lot of great memories for me," Bryce said. "My Brother is older, but we're real tight."
Homer Drew said he believe God honored his son's hard work and living testimony to his faith.
"I feel it was turly in his plans for everything that happend to Bryce, Scott and me," Homer said.
While waiting on the NBA to resolve its labor problems last summer and fall, Drew said he worked out hard keeping his physical and spirtiual body sharp. With effort he has added remarkable definition to his muscles. His spiritual strength shows a similar effect.
His balance between the two facets of the character makes for a special athlete. After a solid rookie season last year, Drew has good reason to hope for more playing time in the Houston Rockets backcourt for the 1999-2000 NBA season.
"Growing up I always wanted the opportunity to see what it would be like to compete at the highest level. I'm looking foward to seeing what happens."
"Bryce's goal and dream was to play in the NBA," Homer added. "It's very difficult and demanding value system, but I personally think God brought him to this door."
Despite his status as a college hero and an NBA first-round draft choice, Drew said he knows his professional status can be as uncertain as his next jump shot.
"You have to continue to keep your eyes on God and make sure you're focused on him at all times," he said. "My whole family is really tight, so we talk all the time, and they keep me on the right Path."
In college, the Crusaders were well known celebrities in an Indiana town of 30,000 people. Since he was drafted, Drew lives in a hotel alone in a town of several million. He said the lack of worldly fame or professional notoriety doesn't bother him at all.
"I just try to listen to Christian music and read diffrent book or verses. When I would sign autographs in College, I would write Colosians 3:23, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men." Thats what I truly believe," Drew said.
The sharp-shooting guard will be remembered forever for his frantic last-second shot against Ole Miss that found the net as the buzzer and his unplanned vicotry dance on the court which was shown on national television.
His dad said he'll always take a special memory from the dramatic win, but more importantly his son's reaction to it.
"When we were walking out of the gym after the game, Bryce had a great thought," Homer said. "I asked him why he slid on the court after making that shot. He said it was the closet thing he could find to say, "God, Thank you."
"Just knowing that brought tears to my eyes. He really taught his dad something on what's really important and how to handle all good things."