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Arizona forward Ivan Kharchenkov's unique experience with glass basketball courts
Kharchenkov was the only Arizona player who had previously played on a similar glass floor design used at the Big 12 Tournament
Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:50pm
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Arizona forward Ivan Kharchenkov brought a unique perspective to the Big 12 Tournament, having previously played on a similar German-designed glass basketball floor while with his former team Bayern Munich in Germany. Kharchenkov kept this knowledge mostly to himself, only briefly mentioning to his teammates that he preferred the consistent playing surface of the glass floor compared to floors with numerous logo stickers, which he said can be dangerous and cause players to lose traction.
Why it matters
Kharchenkov's prior experience on a glass basketball floor gave him an advantage in adjusting to the unique playing surface used at the Big 12 Tournament. This type of specialized knowledge can provide a competitive edge, especially for players transitioning to a new league or tournament environment.
The details
Kharchenkov said the glass floor used at the Big 12 Tournament was similar to the one he played on in Germany, which had a consistent playing surface without the numerous logo stickers that he found to be problematic. Kharchenkov mostly kept this information to himself, only briefly mentioning it to his Arizona teammates when they asked him about the floor.
- Kharchenkov played on the glass floor design last season while with his former team Bayern Munich in Germany.
The players
Ivan Kharchenkov
An Arizona forward who previously played on a similar German-designed glass basketball floor while with his former team Bayern Munich in Germany.
Tommy Lloyd
The head coach of the Arizona men's basketball team, who said he didn't ask to be in the Big 12 Conference but is embracing the opportunity to compete in the conference tournament in Kansas City.
What they’re saying
“Would I want this in Vegas? Yeah, 100% I would. But you know what? I didn't ask to be in the Big 12. We got put in the Big 12. I didn't have any input on it, but I love being in the Big 12.”
— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Men's Basketball
“They didn't even know I played on it. I told them, and they're like 'How did you like it?' I said 'I like it a lot, especially because it doesn't have stickers.'”
— Ivan Kharchenkov, Forward, Arizona Men's Basketball
The takeaway
Kharchenkov's prior experience playing on a similar glass basketball floor gave him a unique advantage in adjusting to the unique playing surface used at the Big 12 Tournament. This specialized knowledge can provide a competitive edge, especially for players transitioning to a new league or tournament environment.
