KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark appeared on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Friday morning, talking more about the change from an LED glass court to a traditional hardwood court at the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament.
The commissioner referenced "mixed reviews" from players about the glass court, which was provided by German-based manufacturer ASB GlassFloor.
Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson, who strained a muscle while slipping on the court in Thursday's quarterfinal game against Iowa State and did not return to the contest, said the court was "a bit slippery."
“I think I just kind of misstepped or did a movement that caused me to slip and kind of ended up in a little unnatural position," Anderson said. "That’s what it was.”
Elle Evans, a guard for Kansas women's basketball, called the glass court "a cool idea" despite being "a little slick in some areas."
Yormark initially discussed the switch late Thursday night, saying the decision was made after consulting with the coaches of the four semifinal teams (Kansas, Houston, Arizona and Iowa State).
Yormark told McAfee that "the conversation should be about those (semifinals) teams and not the court," echoing a similar statement that Kansas head coach Bill Self had shortly after his team's 78-73 win against TCU.
"I think it was the right thing to do," Yormark said.
The commissioner said he talked to ASB GlassFloor officials Thursday night, telling them that they've "gotta go back to the lab."
Still, Yormark said he loves the LED court "based on what it can do" and believes the technology was "brought to life" throughout both the men's and women's tournaments.
Some fans at the Power and Light District on Friday said they noticed some players slipping Thursday night.
“It (the court) was kind of cool for the fans but probably not for the players," said Iowa State fan Will Shudak, who had tickets to both Thursday's and Friday's games.
Kansas fan Chris McCune said he understands why the Big 12 Commissioner gave the glass court a shot.
“I get why Yormark did it, though," McCune said. "He’s trying to maximize and put us out there and make us the brand of basketball. So, I don’t blame him. I don’t think it was a bad decision, so I’m fine with it.”
The conference will "stay in touch" with ASB GlassFloor, according to Yormark.
The company sent KSHB 41 News a statement Friday night:
We acknowledge the Big 12 Conference’s decision to replace the ASB GlassFloor with a traditional hardwood court after the women’s tournament and the majority of the men’s tournament were played on the surface. In total, 27 of the 30 championship games across both tournaments were completed on ASB GlassFloor.
During the event, we observed more player inconsistencies at T-Mobile Center than at other venues using ASB GlassFloor. We are conducting a full investigation into all possible contributing factors. This will include scientific testing and review. Athlete health and safety remain our highest priority.
The ASB GlassFloor used during the Big 12 Championships holds Level 1 certification from FIBA, the highest international standard for professional basketball playing surfaces, and has been tested and approved by multiple international testing institutions.
The Big 12 Championships provided an opportunity to demonstrate the commercial potential, broadcast innovation, and fan engagement capabilities enabled by ASB GlassFloor in the U.S.
ASB GlassFloor systems are currently used by teams and organizations across the NCAA, NBA, EuroLeague, Basketball Bundesliga, and Greek Basketball League, as well as at installations worldwide, and receive very positive feedback.
Together with our partners, we will continue to analyze feedback, refine the technology, and advance innovation in basketball and other indoor sports. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Big 12 and other upcoming sporting events.
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