FIBA’s glass floor makes eye-catching debut
July 27, 2023
After the huge anticipation leading up to the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2023 around the world premiere of the ASB glass floor, what did everyone make of it now that it’s in play?
We’ve been getting all the feedback from a momentous and historic Quarter-Finals day in Madrid and we’re also looking forward to see what new designs are in store for the Semi-Finals and Sunday’s all-important Third Place and Final games.
A red-hot start in the debut game
If there was anybody still around who had doubts about the innovative surface, they were swept away with a memorable and brilliant first-ever game on it as France and Japan served up an overtime treat.
There were also some incredible individual displays, including Leila Lecan of France who fired 36 points – one of the highest ever recorded in the competition.
She said: “Maybe the glass floor brought me some luck. I will need to ask my club to always play on this glass floor. I must say that I fell on my knees and strangely it didn’t hurt as normal. Maybe there was something magical in the floor and also it was really cool with the design and the animations.”
Lapena loves the new look
Canada senior play-caller Victor Lapena, who has also been part of the coaching setup for his native Spain at all levels was sat courtside. He also gave a great review of the state-of-the-art court.
“When you see it on the big screen, it’s amazing – it’s marvelous. We have to give it some time, but it’s the future and it’s here to stay.
“For the public especially, it’s amazing. Who knows, but I’m sure the fans will soon interact and have the chance to appear on the court with their face or something – it’s unique and it’s a blast.”
“It’s great what FIBA is doing for the benefit of women’s basketball and basketball in general,” added Lapena.
Spanish ace Martin Carrion can’t quite believe it…
Playing on the court in a competitive game for the first time was something that Spanish star Iyana Martin Carrion will remember for a long, long time. She propelled her country into the Semi-Finals with an 18-point display against Lithuania.
She enthused: “Wow, playing in this court was unbelievable. I had never played in a court like this and it was crazy!”
“We’re really proud that it was done for the first time ever in a women’s tournament and we’re grateful because it gives exposure to our sport,”
