The Big 12 will transition back to a traditional hardwood court for the remainder of its conference tournament at T-Mobile Center. This decision comes after players experienced some slipping and grip issues on the innovative LED glass court.
Commissioner’s Statement on Court Change
Commissioner Brett Yormark addressed the situation. “After consultation with the coaches of our four Semifinal teams, I have decided that in order to provide our student-athletes with the greatest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will transition to a hardwood court for the remainder of the Tournament,” he said. He added, “We look forward to a great Semifinals and Championship Game.”
Yormark told ESPN, “The focus now needs to be on four of the best teams in the country and not the court.”
Player Injury and Coach Reaction
Texas Tech star Christian Anderson, projected as the No. 16 pick in ESPN’s most recent NBA mock draft, fell during a loss to Iowa State. He injured his groin in the second half.
“Obviously the floor is a bit slippery, so I think I just kind of misstepped or did a movement that caused me to slip and kind of ended up in a little unnatural position,” Anderson said. “That’s what it was.”
Red Raiders coach Grant McCasland also commented on the court surface. “It’s definitely different. It’s obviously a different surface than we’re used to playing on, and there were some challenging movements today, is what I would say,” McCasland stated. “I think with size around the basket it’s not [a big issue] but the quickness of guard play, and stop-and-start action — it just has a different response than what we’re used to.”
Support for the Decision
Kansas coach Bill Self has voiced his support for the Big 12’s decision to change courts. “I think it’s the right thing to do,” he said.
Looking Ahead to the Semifinals
The Big 12, considered the standout basketball conference in the country all season, will feature a pair of blockbuster matchups. No. 7 Iowa State will face No. 2 Arizona in the first game, and No. 5 Houston will play No. 14 Kansas in the second.
Representatives from every NBA team are on hand to take in the action. There are 10 different players from the conference featuring in the first round of ESPN’s most recent mock draft. These include Kansas guard Darryn Peterson at No. 1, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa at No. 2 and Houston guard Kingston Flemings at No. 5.
- The Big 12 is swapping the LED glass court for hardwood.
- The decision was made after consultation with coaches.
- Christian Anderson injured himself on the LED court.
Slips can occur on any surface, including a traditional hardwood court. The focus is now on the semi-final games.