By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The future of basketball is already here, thanks to FIBA using the ASB GlassFloor.
The full video floor was unveiled during the Quarterfinals of the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2023 last Friday. It allows live tracking of players, providing fans with enhanced interaction and better engagement.
At the end of the day and especially considering the positive feedback from players, coaches, and fans directly enjoying the technology, and others watching from home, the sky is the limit regarding additional perks way beyond game presentation to sponsors and more.
As FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis has said: “It’s a historical day for FIBA and for the players here in Madrid, who are being given an opportunity to compete on this amazing and innovative surface”.
“There’s been a lot of anticipation leading up to this moment and to be able to finally unveil this glass flooring court is really exciting. It’s also fitting that the first games being played on it will be four highly competitive FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup Quarter-Finals.”
He added: “With this successful global premiere of the LED glass floor, we have another example of how we are joining two strategic priorities: ‘Enlarge the FIBA Family’ by endorsing and encouraging innovation in basketball, and ‘Women in Basketball’ by introducing the LED glass floor in a Women’s event”.
The players privileged to compete on the state-of-the-art court were fascinated by the multiple options coming into play with the LED glass floor.
Leila Lacan went on to score 36 points for France in the overtime win against Japan. “Maybe the glass floor brought me some luck. I will need to ask my club to always play on this glass floor,” she jokingly commented on the innovative court.
“Wow, playing in this court was unbelievable. I had never played in a court like this and it was crazy,” mentioned the TISSOT MVP of the tournament, Spain’s Iyana Martin Carrion.
“I sent photos and videos home. Nobody could believe it,” shared USA’s Grace VanSlooten, among the impressed players and leaders en route to capture the gold medals.
“It is like playing on a giant television screen,” added Canada’s Jasmine Bascoe.
Following up was the demo presentation of the ASB GlassFloor.
“The fan experience will be even greater and it can offer a wide variety of entertainment,” described soon-to-be FIBA Hall of Famer Amaya Valdemoro, “Watching it live is really cool, but it’s even better on TV.”
“This court puts basketball in a different era. I am fascinated with its new dimension with countless options,” confirmed Spain’s Betty Cebrian, “I am really proud that FIBA has thought of this scenario and chosen a women’s tournament to unveil the court.”
It seems a matter of time for glass floors to expand to more competitions across the globe.