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Big 12 Replaces LED Glass Court With Hardwood for Tournament Semifinals and Final

Player safety concerns, including a slip that injured Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson, prompted the change.

Overview

  • Commissioner Brett Yormark said he consulted the four semifinal coaches before deciding to finish the event on a traditional surface.
  • Crews dismantled the LED glass floor overnight at T-Mobile Center to install hardwood ahead of Friday's semifinal games.
  • Players across the men's and women's tournaments reported traction problems and visibility complaints, with multiple slips recorded on the glass surface.
  • Kansas coach Bill Self and other stakeholders welcomed the switch, saying the focus should be on the games rather than fears about footing.
  • The LED floor from ASB GlassFloor has been showcased in Europe and NBA All-Star events, and Yormark said the conference will seek refinements before considering future use as critics question why the women's tournament was kept on the surface.