The Big 12 opted to showcase a new, state of the art glass court ahead of the Big 12 Tournament, and to say its received mixed reviews is an understatement. To the athletes, it’s been more of a headache than anything.
Wildcats’ forwards Taj Manning, Khamari McGriff dismayed by Big 12 Tournament Court
Following the Wildcats’ 105-91 loss to the BYU Cougars, Wildcats forward Taj Manning was asked about how the team felt playing on the glass court. According to Manning, it was more than just slippery.
K-State forward Taj Manning was NOT a fan of the new Big 12 court in Kansas City pic.twitter.com/jxiBr0ogij
— Ryan Gilbert (@RyanGilbert_) March 11, 2026
“It was pretty bad,” Manning said. “It’s slippery, the lights and stuff caused Khamari [McGriff] to get a migraine, and it’s a bad floor. They shouldn’t bring it back if you want my honest opinion.”
Earlier social media posts also showed the floor with a little bit of give during warmups ahead of the matchup between Cincinnati and Utah. Manning alluded to the moving logos, glare, and moving graphics.
Perhaps you can or can’t see the Big 12’s glass floor give in this video. But to the eye in person you can see it give on some jumps and landings. To me, it also feels unique. To the touch you can feel a texture of the court. pic.twitter.com/X7Pet6Iv0k
— Alec Busse (@alec_busse) March 10, 2026
“It’s just an eye sore,” Manning continued. Like it’s constantly changing and stuff, flashing different lights and all that. Nobody wants to play on that, we just want the normal hardwood.”
Wildcats on the backend of a record setting night by AJ Dybantsa, BYU Cougars
The action on the floor told the story Tuesday night – and it didn’t favor Kansas State. BYU freshman and projected NBA lottery pick AJ Dybantsa erupted for 40 points, his seventh 35-plus point performance in Big 12 play, the most ever by a freshman in the conference.
P.J. Haggerty ended the game with 27 points after three Wildcats scorers ended the first half in double figures, more than in most games throughout the season. Nate Johnson knocked down four three-pointers during that stretch.
Johnson ended the game with five threes, leading the team ahead of Marcus Johnson and C.J. Jones. Manning also led the team in rebounds.
Things fell apart for the Wildcats in the second half, thanks in part to Dybantsa but also a combined 29 points from Kennard Davis and Rob Wright III. BYU was the bigger opposition on the boards, out-rebounding Kansas State 40-29 and ending the game with five blocks.
Kansas State shifting focus towards hiring new head coach
The Wildcats’ season is over, but it’s not all bad. For fans, it’s a chance to turn the page into a new era as the team moves closer in its search for its next men’s basketball head coach.
A handful of names are still circulating, including Utah State head coach Jerrod Calhoun. Saint Louis head coach Josh Schertz was reportedly offered the position, but declined. The search is ongoing, and new names are still emerging on a daily basis.
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