Drew put Valparaiso and its men's basketball program on the map over the course of his 22 years at the helm of the Crusaders with his “Building a Tradition” philosophy, which reached new heights in 1998 as Valparaiso advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history.
Drew then earned a Doctorate in educational administration from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan in 1983.
This continuous success helped Drew achieve conference Coach of the Year honors three consecutive seasons, from 1993 to 1996.
Valparaiso was down 69–67 with 4.1 seconds remaining in the game, and Mississippi's Ansu Sesay at the free throw line.
Then, as time expired, Bryce released a 23-foot three-point shot, clinching the Crusaders' 70–69 upset and advancing them in the tournament.
Homer Drew was rehired as head coach for Valparaiso's men's basketball team in August 2003, and led the Crusaders back to the NCAA tournament in 2004.
[3] His son Bryce Drew wore a light blue blazer the color symbolizing the fight against prostate cancer in his first regular season game versus the Arizona Wildcats to honor his father and the team publicly dedicated their season to their former coach and his wife.