The Big 12 Tournament’s new LED court was meant to be the next big thing in basketball. It gives stadium operators the ability to bring nearly any graphic idea to life through the use of the court.
A February press release when the court was initially announced cited the new court as a “significant milestone in the modernization of college athletics.”
But perhaps the conference was too focused on the optics and less on the play.
Since the conclusion of the women’s tournament and first day of the men’s tournament Tuesday, there have been numerous complaints from players about the poor surface and idea.
“It’s pretty bad, to be honest,” said Kansas State’s Taj Manning, per USA Today.
“It’s slippery … It’s a bad floor, they shouldn’t bring it back, if you want my honest opinion … It’s just an eyesore, it’s constantly changing. With flashing different lights and all that. Nobody wants to play on that thing, just want the normal hardwood.”
That could just be a situation of personal preference. But the court hasn’t been the best from a playing standpoint either.
Manning added that the floor’s lights caused Wildcats forward Khamari McGriff to get a migraine. Some cited issues with traction as well.
“When you go really, really hard, you slip,” Arizona State’s Allen Mukeba said, per The Athletic. “I think it’s more like the shoes and the court, they don’t really match that much.”
“The floor was fine,” Kansas coach Bill Self said, per AP. “But it did seem a little different from a traction standpoint than the majority of courts are.”
This technology isn’t new — it’s been used internationally since 2008 — though this is the first time it’s being used in the United States. The floor uses aluminum and steel springs to mimic traditional hardwood.
The Big 12 has also implemented special mops and cleaning solutions to wipe the floor during timeouts.
Its main allure is the endless graphic possibilities, which have been featured through pregame introductions and a shattered glass effect when a player slams home a dunk.
“Our goal at the Big 12 is simple: keep raising the bar,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said in the press release. “Elevating our league’s profile and adding real value to our programs requires a willingness to push boundaries…This technology represents the future and bringing it to our basketball tournaments reinforces our commitment to innovation, positioning the Big 12 as a different league and national leader in elevating the game.”
Despite Yormark’s vision, the court has received just as many compliments as concerns.
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