Richmond Exemplifies How to Execute the Proper Court Storm

Earlier this week, Kansas traveled to Manhattan to take on in-state rival, Kansas State. Kansas State would end up pulling off the upset in that game, and naturally a court storm would ensue. Most fans fled their seats with jubilation, but one fan stormed the court with malicious intent. That malicious fan put on his best Dwayne Johnson impression and threw an elbow while shoving Kansas forward Jamari Traylor.

Give Traylor all the credit in the world — ask any competitor, a court storm is like rubbing salt in an open wound. But Traylor did not retaliate. It speaks volumes about a player to hold his composure and not respond vindictively in that situation. Maybe more incredulous than rancorous, Traylor only watched as the fan initiated a shove and walked away.

But on Wednesday night, Richmond was able to shy away from a similar situation at home when VCU traveled to town.

VCU trailed by seven points with 47 seconds remaining in the second half. Fueled by the miraculous play of Treveon Graham, the Rams were able to tie the game and force overtime. It would eventually take double-overtime for Richmond to pull off the upset at home.

Needless to say, Richmond fans would immediately storm the court as the buzzer sounded, but unlike the Kansas-Kansas State game, there would be no chance for fans to interact with the opposing team’s players.

Richmond had security officials lock hand-in-hand and form a blockade, fencing the VCU team and coaching staff from raucous, wild Richmond fans.

Kudos to Richmond for having the personnel on hand to avoid a situation synonymous to the one on Monday at Bramlage Coliseum. Well done, Richmond.

James Szuba is a college basketball writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesSzuba.