Sports

Kansas State Players Hated The Big 12’s Digital Basketball Court

#Big 12 Conference
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© Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


The Kansas State basketball team lost its conference tournament opener to BYU on Tuesday night in Missouri. After the game, players spoke to the difficulties of playing on the Big 12’s innovative new digital court.

The Wildcats hated the glass design and LED lighting. One team member hopes it doesn’t return in 2027.

The league introduced fans to the glass floor on social media prior to the tournament’s start. The design provides an opportunity to flash team logos, player names, marketing ads, and other promotional graphics throughout the game.

Team intros were incredible.

Graphics were flashed during game play, too. For example, a shattering glass image covered the court after slam dunks.

The imagery was great for fans, particularly in the pregame. The visuals added something unique to the event.

Unfortunately, for all the good, there was also bad.

Kansas State hated the Big 12 basketball court.

The Wildcats lost their opening game, 105-91. Despite keeping things close for 30 minutes of action, BYU was able to pull away late.

The loss ended the Kansas State campaign. The program will now begin a busy offseason that starts with finding a new head coach.

After their final matchup, players were asked about the atmosphere and more specifically, the floor.

Taj Manning was not impressed.

“It was pretty bad,” the forward said. “It’s slippery. The lights caused Khamari (McGriff) to get a migraine. It’s a bad floor. They shouldn’t bring it back, if you want my honest opinion…

“It’s an eyesore. It’s constantly changing and flashing different lights. Nobody wants to play on that. Just go back to normal hardwood.”

The alleged migraine didn’t hamper McGriff’s production as he shot 6-of-7 from the floor. He did play just 15 minutes of action, though, a few minutes below his typical 20-minute output.

Many players will likely echo Manning’s sentiment. The Big 12 basketball court can be as much a distraction for players as a spectacle for viewers.

It will be interesting to see how the conference addresses the issues moving forward.