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The Big 12 will return to a traditional hardwood court for the remainder of its men’s basketball tournament after several players slipped on the innovative but controversial LED glass court.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark issued a statement Thursday night announcing the move, saying the conference will change the court for semifinal games to provide the “highest 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, on March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
“After consulting with the coaches of our four semifinal teams, I have decided that 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’re looking forward to a great semi-finals and a great championship game.”
The Big 12 announced last month that it would play its men’s and women’s tournaments on the glass surface, produced by ASB GlassFloor and which has been used in the NBA All-Star Game and in Europe, but never during official competition in the U.S.
But the innovative courts received mixed reviews.
“I will say it was a little slippery in some areas,” Kansas player Elle Evans admitted.
A timeout is taken while viewing an LED court 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, on March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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“The court was fine,” Kansas coach Bill Self said before the Jayhawks’ quarterfinal game, “but it looked a little different from a traction standpoint than most courts.”
Several players have slipped on the court, including Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson, who sprained a muscle when he slipped during the Red Raiders’ 75-63 loss to Iowa State.
“Obviously the ground is a little slippery,” he said. “I think I just took a wrong step 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, on 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 change the courts, but admitted, “I think it’s the right thing to do.”
The glass courts have an aluminum and steel spring design that is supposed to mimic the flexibility of hardwood, and the LED panels feature a ceramic coating and small dots etched into the glass to create traction.
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