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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 issued a statement Thursday night announcing the move, stating the conference will change the field for the semifinal games to give players the “greatest level of comfort.”
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 quarterfinals 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 give our student-athletes the highest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will switch 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 championship game.”
The Big 12 announced last month that it would play its men’s and women’s tournaments on the glass surface, which is manufactured by ASB GlassFloor and has been used for the NBA All-Star Game and in Europe, but never during an official competition in the United States
But the innovative courts got mixed reviews.
“I would say it was a little slippery in some areas,” admitted Kansas women’s player Elle Evans.
A timeout is taken as an LED court is viewed during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between Kansas and TCU 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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“The floor was fine,” Kansas coach Bill Self said before the Jayhawks’ quarterfinal game, “but it seemed a little different from a traction standpoint than most courts are.”
Several players have limped off the court, including Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson, who strained a muscle sliding during the Red Raiders’ 75-63 loss to Iowa State.
“Obviously the floor is a little slippery,” he said. “I think I just misjudged or made a move that caused me to slip.”
Houston’s Joseph Tugler (11) passes as BYU’s AJ Dybantsa (3) defends in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Conference tournament in Kansas City, Missouri, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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After the Jayhawks defeated TCU to advance to the semifinals, Self said he didn’t play a role in the decision to switch courts, but admitted that “I think it’s the right thing to do.”
The glass tracks have an aluminum and steel spring design to mimic the flexibility of hardwood, and the LED panels have a ceramic coating and tiny dots etched into the glass to create traction.
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