Faith and family are at the center of the Shaw family’s life, where sports and religion intersect seamlessly. Casey and Dana Shaw, along with their four children, embody this connection in their everyday 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, who has worked alongside Bryce Drew for seven years, believes that incorporating biblical principles into coaching helps create a healthy program.

The Shaw family emphasizes the importance of culture within their team, where selflessness, teamwork, unity, togetherness, and sacrifice are key values. Similarly, Scott Drew at Baylor focuses on fostering a culture of JOY, which stands for Jesus, Others, Yourself. 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, reinforces this sentiment by recognizing Scott Drew’s commitment to placing Jesus at the forefront of their program. The emphasis on faith and the importance of prioritizing others over oneself is a central aspect of their coaching philosophy, leading to positive outcomes both on and off the court.