Jesus 1st
Others 2nd
Yourself 3rd
Scott Drew, Baylor’s basketball coach, encourages a “JOY” lifestyle for his family, coaches, and players. Not only is the concept taught, it is also modeled, on a daily basis, by Coach Drew.
The current basketball players have chosen to make “JOY” a priority for this season. That commitment is displayed in the unselfishness of the team. If you watched a few basketball games the past few weeks, wanting the best for the team was displayed on both Baylor’s offense and defense. The team win was more important than an individual’s points or record. After a game, win or lose, it shows in the circle that is formed on the court, with players and coaches, and the prayers offered. Jared Butler was recently named Associated Press first-team All-American, which he considers a team award. Butler is known for his talent, abilities, work ethic, and intelligence, but being a team player is a priority. He also makes a difference by teaching Sunday School to second and third graders.
The Baylor basketball players have Bible studies and also attend Chapel before every game. Realizing the importance of keeping Jesus a priority, Coach Drew hired a full time staff chaplain, Scott Brewer, to invest in the young men. There are other mentors who also give of their time and talents to train, encourage, and lead the athletes.
The COVID months have been difficult at times, causing many sacrifices to be made. To help stay healthy, the players committed to not seeing family or friends, to stay in their room, or be in the gym, so they would be ready and at their best for the upcoming games and NCAA Tournament. Taking care of business, team commitment, and support came before individual pleasures for a season.
Coach Drew acknowledged that past players helped to build the team that won the championship. Many former athletes still send inspiring texts and messages to encourage the current team. That’s why Coach Drew calls it a “we” thing. KWTX reported that “Baylor’s men’s basketball coach Scott Drew sent all of his former players nets, t-shirts, and personalized letters to thank them for helping build the program to where it is now – a team that is about to play in the Final Four.”
On April 5, 2021, the Baylor men’s basketball team won its first National Championship by defeating undefeated Gonzaga 86-70. For Baylor's coach, Scott Drew, this victory had been 18 years in the making. For the Baylor fans, it’s been a lifetime of waiting and hoping.
What a difference "JOY" makes! From this Texas Tech Red Raider, congratulations to the Baylor men’s basketball team, coaches and fans. May “JOY” always be part of your journey; and may we choose it to be the priority of ours, as well.
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4
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