Court Switch Shakes Up Big 12 Semifinals

Kansas edged out a close 78‑73 victory in the quarterfinals, and the Big 12 Conference surprised everyone by announcing a change of surface for Friday’s semifinals. After consulting with coaches from the remaining teams, officials decided to replace the high‑tech LED video floor—introduced earlier in the season—with a traditional wooden court. The goal: better footing and safety for players on this pivotal night.

Coach Bill Self Reacts

“The LED floor wasn’t terrible, but it could still cause players to slip or slide. The switch will keep the focus on gameplay rather than surface concerns.”
— Bill Self, Kansas Head Coach

Self emphasized player safety, noting that some athletes have battled injuries this season.

Players’ Take on the Change

• Melvin Council Jr. (Senior) – “The new court feels odd, but my teammates will adapt quickly.”
• Darryn Peterson (Freshman) – “I’m relieved the floor is back to hardwood; I’m ready to keep scoring.”
  Peterson led Kansas with 24 points and eight rebounds, proving his performance isn’t hindered by the surface.

Upcoming Matchup

Kansas will face Houston in the semifinal—both teams eyeing deep tournament runs. Any injury linked to the court could impact not only these squads but also the conference’s reputation for player safety.

• Semifinal Game: 8:30 p.m. Central Time