"After consultation with the coaches of our four Semifinal teams, I have decided that in order 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. We look forward to a great Semifinals and Championship Game."
"It's definitely different. It's obviously a different surface than we're used to playing on, and there were some challenging movements today, is what I would say. I think with size around the basket it's not [a big issue] but the quickness of guard play, and stop-and-start action -- it just has a different response than what we're used to."
"Obviously the floor is a bit slippery, so 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. That's what it was."
The Big 12 Conference switched from an LED glass court to a traditional hardwood court during its tournament at T-Mobile Center due to player safety concerns. The LED court, while innovative in displaying real-time graphics, caused slipping and grip problems for athletes during both men's and women's tournaments. Notable incidents included Texas Tech's Christian Anderson suffering a groin injury after slipping. Coaches reported the LED surface responded differently to quick movements and stop-and-start actions compared to standard courts. Commissioner Brett Yormark consulted with semifinal team coaches before making the decision to prioritize player comfort and safety for the remainder of the tournament.
Read at ESPN.com
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