Notre Dame Coach Shrewsberry Delivers Fiery Defense of Team Amidst Losing Streak
Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s basketball coach Micah Shrewsberry unleashed a passionate defense of his team on Sunday following a disappointing 15-point loss to the Louisville Cardinals. With the Fighting Irish’s record now at 11-14 overall and 5-9 in ACC play, Shrewsberry vowed to turn the program around and expressed unwavering belief in his players.
Shrewsberry’s Podium Tirade
"I understand that a lot of people have quit on us," Shrewsberry lamented. "Well deserved. If you hate me, absolutely man. Great. If you think I suck, if you think I can’t coach, I’m with you, man, good. Good for you because you’re allowed to have opinions. You think I should be fired? Good for you."
Despite the mounting criticism, Shrewsberry remained defiant, declaring that he and his team would not throw in the towel. "I believe in myself and I believe in these guys," he asserted. "Don’t give up on these kids, man. What have they done for people to give up on them?"
Addressing those who had abandoned their support for the team, Shrewsberry said: "I know if you’re not with us because we’re losing, you don’t want to come watch us, fine. Fine. But do it because of me then, not these kids. They don’t deserve that."
Commitment to Improvement
Shrewsberry emphasized that his focus is on turning the program around, regardless of outside opinions. "I don’t care about anybody else’s opinion," he declared. "I know who I am. I know I can coach basketball. I know I’m turning this program around."
To those who have already given up on the team, Shrewsberry delivered a blunt message: "If you gave up on me already, I don’t want to see you back here. I don’t give a damn. … We’re gonna get this thing rolling."
Shrewsberry’s Track Record
Shrewsberry took over as Notre Dame’s head coach in 2022 after a successful stint at Penn State, where he led the Nittany Lions to an NCAA Tournament appearance in his second season. In his two years with the Fighting Irish, Shrewsberry has compiled a record of 24-34.
Challenges Ahead
Notre Dame faces an uphill battle to salvage its season and make a run at the NCAA Tournament. With just eight regular season games remaining, the Fighting Irish need to win a significant number of their remaining contests to improve their chances of postseason play.
Conclusion
Coach Shrewsberry’s fiery defense of his team serves as a testament to his unwavering belief in his players and his determination to turn the program around. While Notre Dame faces a challenging road ahead, Shrewsberry’s passion and commitment may inspire his players to rally and finish the season strong.
