I have a shower in my basement which I am replacing. Have got the old one out and some of the paper of the sheetrock came off with the sides of the shower. Is it OK to prime and paint before I apply the new shower or do I have to replace the sheetrock? I hope I don't have to replace the sheetrock.

Painting exposed gypsum isn't going to help. Either replace with water resistant drywall or durorock or hardiboard.