Michigan’s Jordan Morgan was celebrated Saturday night for what many called a courageous play. A play that ultimately led to Michigan’s victory over Syracuse. As Brandon Triche drove the lane for a layup, Morgan slipped underneath and took the charge.
It’s a common defensive tactic in today’s college game made popular by the Duke and Wisconsin’s of the world. It rewards lazy defense and puts the onus on officials to make the “right call.” Oftentimes, that’s not the case.
Following Saturday night’s game, only one analyst believed the call was correct. Do you want to guess who it was? That’s right, Dick Vitale. In some ways, Dick is partially responsible for this. He trumped up guys like Wojo and Battier for stepping in to take the charge. Glorified them for flopping.
It’s the worst part of the college game, it robs us fans of great moments. Imagine, for a second, Tyus Edney’s coast-to-coast layup ending with a defender flopping on the ground. Or Bryce Drew’s three-point heave waved off because of a charge. What if Kentucky decided to give up on Christian Laettner’s turn around jumper—act like his fake to one side was enough to send a Wildcat flying.
Is that what we want in the college game? A highlight of flops?
Think about that the next time you celebrate the Jordan Morgan’s of the world.