It's a phenomenon that started long, long ago but is getting a little out of hand: college students rushing the court after their men's (or women's, but not really) basketball team upsets a ranked opponent.
Two years ago, I was courtside when Providence College knocked off No. 1 Pittsburgh at the Dunkin' Donuts Center and the students quickly made their way to center court to celebrate. It was one of the few times a floor rushing was justified. Last week, the Friars defeated No. 8 Villanova and the students again couldn't wait to get out of their seats to jump up and down with the team.
One night later, Indiana, a once-proud program, defeated No. 21 Illinois 52-49. Lo and behold, the Hoosiers went nuts and the student body joined them. Bobby Knight would be rolling over in his grave if he were dead. No. 21? Is that even an upset? Not really, when you consider the Hoosiers are now 2-6 in conference play and the Illini are 4-4.
There needs to be rules implemented on when, and when not, to rush the floor. If you can answer any of these questions with a "Yes," then go ahead and go nuts:
-Is the team your team just beat ranked in the top five, and are you unranked?
-Does the team your team just beat have at least twice as many wins as your team?
-Has it been more than a season since your team won a game?
-Was this victory in the national championship game?
If you answered "No" to all of these questions, stay on the sidelines because you’re embarrassing yourselves … and your team.
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I, too, witnessed a PC court rush after a game I covered a year ago. The Friars beat No. 19 UConn, and the moron students poured onto the floor. It was ridiculous and pathetic.
Rushing the court makes a statement. It says you're not accustomed to your team winning big games. When was the last time the Cameron Crazies ran onto the floor after a Duke game?
It doesn't happen. You know why? Because Duke, though inexplicably hated by many, is a winning program with class.
PC is neither, and apparently the same is true of Indiana.
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