Micah Shrewsberry limits conversations with officials to extend lifespan

The relationship between a basketball coach and the officials is a tricky one, there must be a balance of respect and tension throughout the full 40-plus minutes of action as emotions run high. Penn State head coach Micah Shrewsberry holds a unique perspective on the back-and-forth, one that he credits to his daughter and his parents.

After a home win against Nebraska over the weekend, Micah Shrewsberry met with the media and explained why he does everything he can to avoid long conversations with officials.

“I try to limit my conversations with officials,” said Shrewsberry. “It’s helped me. I think it’s going to help me live longer in this life, which is what I’m aiming for.

“My parents are awesome, they were here a couple weeks ago, and my daughter always talks about their age and stuff like that. I want to live as long as my parents have lived. So if I can limit my conversations with officials, I think that’s going to help me.”

At 46-years old, Shrewsberry has plenty life to live ahead of him, and perhaps his coaching philosophy can tack on a few extra years to not only his career but his life after basketball with family.

Micah Shrewsberry on fouls against Jalen Pickett

The discussion surrounding officials came after a reporter after Micah Schrewsberry about his thoughts on a couple of foul calls against Penn State guard Jalen Pickett during the game. While he does not talk to officials about these things when he can avoid it, he shared his thoughts with the media.

“I thought the one – the drive – he did grab him,” said Shrewsberry. “He grabbed big fella and kind of pulled his arm a little bit. He might’ve chicken winged the other guy, but I don’t know. I didn’t see what was going on.”

While some would question how the coach did not see a play involving the guard who possessed the ball, Shrewsberry made sure to clear up any confusion and shared what he is looking for from the sideline.

“Sometimes I’m not watching him, even though he’s got the ball,” said Shrewsberry. “I want to look off the ball so I can see who’s doubling where. So, like I talk about, let me move some people around because now I know who’s doubling from where. So I’m not always looking at him. I trust what he’s going to do, I trust he’s going to make the right play.