Kansas City, Mo. - A Slippery Innovation in College Hoops
Basketball on glass? It’s as slippery as it sounds.
BYU sophomore Mihailo Boskovic found this out the hard way during the first round of the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament against Kansas State. “It was like a rug being pulled under me,” he said after a slip sent him to the floor.
The Big 12 is pushing boundaries with an LED glass floor, first introduced during the women’s tournament. This innovative court is essentially a giant TV screen, capable of displaying everything from team logos to tactical diagrams. Imagine a basketball court that’s part sports arena, part high-tech display.
The reaction from players was mixed. Arizona State’s Moe Odum felt like he was playing on an AI court, while his teammate Bryce Ford embraced the futuristic vibe.
However, six out of eight players surveyed mentioned the floor’s slipperiness. Arizona State’s Allen Mukeba and Kansas State’s Khamari McGriff both reported migraines, with Mukeba noting, “The lights were messing up with my head.”
BYU’s Keba Keita found the player introductions dizzying.
Keita summed it up: “It’s cool and all, but I personally prefer the regular courts.”
The floor, FIBA-certified and already in use by EuroLeague teams like FC Bayern and Panathinaikos BC, marks its U.S. debut. ASB GlassFloor, the German company behind it, introduced this tech back in 2008. The Big 12’s multiyear lease on the floor signals a commitment to innovation, though it’s not without its challenges.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark acknowledged the mixed feedback. “You’re never going to get 100 percent buy-in,” he said.
“We listen intently to feedback and make necessary adjustments. I’m very pleased with where we are.”
This isn’t the Big 12’s first foray into court innovation. Last year, they partnered with Undefeated for a Magic Eye-like floor design.
This year’s gray backdrop with subtle Roman numeral XII markings aimed for a more understated look. Yet, players found the surface’s slipperiness concerning, especially during quick stops and turns.
“The traction is really good, but when you go really, really hard, you slip,” Mukeba explained. “It’s dangerous, but it’s still a basketball court.”
Players also noted the ball’s unusual bounce and the difficulty in seeing lines from certain angles. Keita mentioned, “From different angles, it looks different.”
Despite these challenges, BYU set a Big 12 tournament record with 105 points, and freshman AJ Dybantsa broke Kevin Durant’s freshman scoring record with 40 points. BYU coach Kevin Young praised the innovation but admitted to initial skepticism. “I don’t love doing new things in the postseason, but I think it’s pretty cool.”
While the floor’s shock absorption could benefit officials’ longevity, players seem to prefer the traditional hardwood. The verdict? The innovation is intriguing, but the players are calling for a return to the classic court.