In a dramatic turn of events at LJVM Coliseum, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the jubilant celebrations following Wake Forest’s stunning upset victory over No. 8 Duke turned into a scene of concern and controversy as Duke’s standout player, Kyle Filipowski, found himself injured amidst the chaos of court-storming fans.
Filipowski, a pivotal player for the Blue Devils and a projected top-10 NBA Draft pick, was caught in the midst of a stampede of ecstatic Wake Forest fans who rushed the court following their team’s 83-79 victory. As the crowd surged towards midcourt in exuberance, Filipowski, attempting to exit the court, collided with a fan, resulting in a knee injury that left him visibly hobbled.
The incident has reignited discussions surrounding the dangers of court storming in college basketball. Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, minced no words in expressing his concern and frustration, calling for a ban on the practice. “How many times does a player have to get into something… It’s a dangerous thing,” remarked Scheyer in his postgame comments.
Filipowski himself expressed his dismay at the situation, noting that he felt the contact was intentional. “I absolutely feel like it was personal… There’s no excuse for that,” said Filipowski, emphasizing the need for better protection for players in such scenarios.
This incident comes on the heels of similar occurrences in college basketball, including Iowa’s Caitlin Clark colliding with a fan during a court-storming incident last month. The frequency of such incidents has prompted calls for action from coaches, players, and officials alike.
The aftermath of the game saw statements from both Duke and Wake Forest officials, expressing regret for the incident and a commitment to improving safety measures in future games. Wake Forest’s athletic director, John Currie, acknowledged the need for better management of postgame procedures, while ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips reiterated the conference’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of student-athletes.
While the victory for Wake Forest marked a significant achievement for the program, the overshadowing of the triumph by Filipowski’s injury underscores the need for a reassessment of court-storming protocols. As college basketball continues to captivate audiences with its intense competition, ensuring the safety of players must remain a top priority for all involved.