Big 12 Commissioner ditches glass court for semifinals after slips
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The Big 12 will return to traditional hardwood courts for the remainder of the men’s basketball tournament after some players skated on the innovative but controversial LED glass court.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark announced the move Thursday night, saying the conference would change the field for semifinal games to provide players with the “utmost level of comfort.”
TCU guard Jayden Pierre (1) takes a shot 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 on March 12, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
“After consulting with the coaches of our four semifinal teams, I have decided to transition to hardwood courts for the remainder of the tournament to provide the utmost comfort for our student-athletes on the big stage this weekend,” Yormark said. he said.
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“We are looking forward to a great semi-final and championship match.”
The Big 12 announced last month that it would play its men’s and women’s tournaments on a glass surface manufactured by ASB GlassFloor, which has been used in the NBA All-Star Game and in Europe but has never been used in an official competition in the United States.
But the innovative courts have received mixed reviews.
“I would say it’s a little slippery in some areas,” said Kansas actress Elle Evans.
A timeout was called during the second half of the 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, as the LED court was visible. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
“The field was good,” Kansas coach Bill Self said before the Jayhawks quarterfinal game, “but it looked a little different than most of the fields in terms of traction.”
Several players slipped on the court during the Red Raiders’ 75-63 loss to Iowa State, including Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson.
“Obviously the ground is a little slippery,” he said. “I think I took the wrong step or made a move that caused me to slip.”
Houston’s Joseph Tugler (11) passes the ball while guarding BYU’s AJ Dybantsa (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament on March 12, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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After the Jayhawks beat TCU to advance to the semifinals, Self said he did not play a role in the decision to switch venues, but added, “I think it was the right thing to do.”
The glass courts feature 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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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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