The Not-So-Perfect Storm

I have had a few occasions in my life to storm a court or field after a big win. The key words there are Big Win. What Penn State did tonight was not a big win. Sure, it helped their tournament resume. But, really, who did they beat? The #23 team in the country, Illinois. An arch rival? No. A legit threat for the National Championship? No. A legit threat for the Big Ten Championship? Not really. And yet, every student at the game rushed the court like their team had just won it all. Really, it was embarrassing. There are only a few times when rushing the court is an option. Winning your 21st game of the year (the most in school history, what a fantastic program) is not one of those times. Here are the only acceptable times:

A buzzer beater like they (sort of) had? Maybe, but only if it is in at least one overtime, and only if it is against your true rival or a team ranked in the top 10.

If you are unranked, and beat a top 10 team, by all means rush the court. Two years ago, while I was at Syracuse, we beat the #4 ranked Georgetown Hoyas on Senior Night by 14. We rushed the court. I hugged Demetrius Nichols. We had a ball, and we deserved to. We were unranked and were playing for a chance at the NCAAs (which we were screwed out of...). That is acceptable.

If you win a conference tournament or the NCAA Championship, rush the court. True, you probably won't get by security for this one, but it goes without saying that this is acceptable.

If you come back from being down at least 30, you can storm the court.

Favorite storming episode (high school)- Gonzaga beat Dematha 12-0 in the WCAC Football finals. We held the ball for the last 8 minutes. It was amazing.

Favorite storming episode (college)- Tie, between the aforementioned Georgetown incident and Senior Day during the 2004 football season. Syracuse beat Pitt in OT to keep our chance at a share of the Big East title alive. The next week we destroyed BC and shared it. Simply amazing considering the 4 seasons that have followed.

So, Penn State, I say shame on you for cheapening the floor-storm. Other than the instances I have provided, you would have to give me a really great explanation for why I shouldn't look down on you with shame.