Big 12 Moves Back to Traditional Courts

The Big 12 is switching back to traditional hardwood for the remaining games in the men’s basketball tournament, stepping away from the experimental and somewhat contentious LED glass courts. This decision came as a result of feedback from players, who experienced some difficulties on the innovative surface.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark announced the new plan late Thursday, emphasizing the conference’s commitment to ensuring “the highest level of comfort” for players during the semifinal match. “After talking with the coaches of the semifinal teams, we’ve opted for hardwood floors for the rest of the tournament,” Yormark explained, aiming to prioritize the athletes’ needs on such a significant weekend.

Last month, the Big 12 had revealed that both men’s and women’s tournaments would be contested on glass surfaces manufactured by ASB GlassFloor. While this type of court has previously been showcased in events like the NBA All-Star Game, it marked an unprecedented venture for official tournaments in the U.S. However, the reception hasn’t been entirely positive.

Kansas player Elle Evans remarked on the court’s conditions, sharing, “I would say it was a little slippery in some areas.” Other players echoed similar sentiments; Kansas coach Bill Self noted that the traction felt off compared to standard courts. Christian Anderson of Texas Tech even experienced a mishap that resulted in a muscle tear during a game, attributing it to a slip he made on the glass surface.

Despite the mixed reviews, the innovation behind the glass court is noteworthy. The design incorporates aluminum and steel spring-action technology meant to mimic the flexibility of traditional hardwood. A ceramic coating paired with tiny dots on the glass surface aimed to enhance grip.

After Kansas beat TCU and moved forward in the tournament, Self mentioned he was not part of the decision to switch floors but felt it was a necessary change. “I think it’s the right thing to do,” he said, signifying the general consensus leaning toward prioritizing player safety and performance.

As the tournament progresses, the Big 12 hopes to deliver an exciting semifinal and championship experience—this time on familiar ground.