Arizona officially unveiled a new McKale Center court design Thursday that goes deep into the state’s identity. The revamp is anchored by a cactus, which had been absent from the court for more than 15 years. The design was decided on by a vote after fans were given four options.
All four possibilities reintroduced a cactus to the floor, but the winning choice displays it more prominently than the other options. The iconic plant rises from an off-center spot along the sideline alongside a mountain range and setting (or rising?) sun that gives off retro vibes.
“I was here in the 90’s and that cactus logo meant something and was unique to Tucson…”, Arizona athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois said on the BearDown podcast. “I wanted to make sure our fan’s voices were heard, and we listened to them.”
The Arizona court redesign is one of several floor revamps that have come to college basketball in recent years that seek to forge a connection between schools and the settings they inhabit. In light of the Wildcats’ newly unveiled floor, we set out to rank college basketball’s best court designs.
1. Arizona
It’s just that good. What the Wildcats officially unveiled this week is the new standard for court design in college basketball. It strikes the right mix of size, cultural connection and color without going overboard. Tucson’s topography sets it apart from the rest of college basketball, and by tapping into that, the Wildcats are also tapping into nostalgia. The cactus was a part of the floor during legendary coach Lute Olson’s tenure. In an era when everything feels corporatized and the sense of genuine authenticity and connection is fading from college sports, Arizona’s new court looks like a stroke of sentimental genius.
2. St. John’s
St. John’s revealed a new court design at Carnesecca Arena for the 2023-24 season that showcases the New York City skyline. The buildings rise from the…
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