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The Big 12 will return to a traditional hardwood court for the remainder of its men’s basketball tournament after a number of players slipped on the innovative, but controversial, LED glass court.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark released a statement Thursday evening announcing the decision, saying the conference would change the field for semifinal games to provide the “greatest level of comfort” for players.
TCU guard Jayden Pierre (1) shoots under pressure from Kansas guards Jamari McDowell (11) and Tre White (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 conference tournament in Kansas City, Missouri, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
“After consulting 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,” Yormark said.
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“We are looking forward to a great semi-final and a great championship match.”
The Big 12 announced last month that it would play its men’s and women’s tournaments on a glass surface produced by ASB GlassFloor and used in the NBA All-Star Game and in Europe, but never in an official competition in the United States.
But the innovative courts have received mixed reviews.
“I will say it was a little slippery in some areas,” Kansas player Elle Evans admitted.
A timeout is taken as an LED court is visible during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between Kansas and TCU in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Conference tournament in Kansas City, Missouri, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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“The ground was good,” Kansas coach Bill Self said before the Jayhawks’ quarterfinal game, “but it seemed a little different from a traction standpoint than the majority of fields.”
Several players slipped on the field, including Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson, who strained a muscle while sliding during the Red Raiders’ 75-63 loss to Iowa State.
“Obviously the ground is a little slippery,” he said. “I think I just misstepped or made a move that caused me to slip.”
Houston’s Joseph Tugler (11) passes as BYU’s AJ Dybantsa (3) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament in Kansas City, Missouri, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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After the Jayhawks beat TCU to advance to the semifinals, Self said he had no role in the decision to swap courts, but admitted that “I think it’s the right thing to do.”
The glass courts have an aluminum and steel spring design meant to mimic the flexibility of hardwood, and the LED boards feature a ceramic coating and small dots etched into the glass to create traction.
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