Waco, Texas ? Scott Drew is leaving Valparaiso to take over the challenge of repairing a Baylor basketball program torn apart by the death of a player, the shame-filled resignation of coach Dave Bliss, a string of transfers and potentially strong NCAA violations.

Mike Oppland, a sophomore-to-be at Valparaiso, told the Associated Press Thursday night that Homer Drew called his family to tell them his son was going to Baylor and Drew was coming out of retirement to take his place.

“I was surprised (about Scott), but I guess I understand why he did it,” Oppland said. “When Homer retired or whatever, he said he was done with basketball. I guess he figures he’s the best man to take over the program.”

Scott Drew is expected to be announced at a Baylor news conference today. Baylor President Robert Sloan wouldn’t comment on Drew.

“We do not have a deal yet, but we’re working closely” with the search committee to hire someone soon, he said at an afternoon news conference.

Baylor spokesman Larry Brumley repeatedly said that a new coach had not been selected, even after being told by the AP of Oppland’s comments.

Houston television station KRIV, the Waco Tribune-Herald and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, all citing sources, reported Thursday that Drew was expected to be announced as the new coach today. Drew has only one year of head coaching experience, going 20-11 and reaching the NIT last season. He spent the previous nine seasons as an assistant to his father at Valparaiso.