Former Valpo Hoops Coach Homer Drew, Wife, Both Diagnosed With Cancer

Former Valparaiso University head coach Homer Drew revealed Tuesday night that both he and his wife, Janet, recently have been diagnosed with cancer.

The university said it would not be releasing any further details about the illnesses.

“Janet and myself both appreciate all the thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time for our family,” Homer Drew said in a released statement.

The news actually came via former Valparaiso player Brandon Wood’s Twitter feed. In the late afternoon, the current Michigan State guard wrote: “Just got off the phone with my coach from Valpo Homer Drew who put me in the position to have the opportunity to play here at MSU. … Everybody pray for my coach at Valpo Homer Drew and his wife who were both just diagnosed with cancer.”

Drew, 67, coached 22 seasons at Valparaiso before retiring in May and handing the program over to his son, Bryce. Homer Drew currently is an associate athletic director for VU, serving as a fundraiser and ambassador for the athletic department.