Missouri Basketball: A new-look team gets a new-look court

Mar 6, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Dru Smith (12) celebrates with guard Torrence Watson (0) after a Smith three point basket during the second half against the LSU Tigers at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Dru Smith (12) celebrates with guard Torrence Watson (0) after a Smith three point basket during the second half against the LSU Tigers at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri basketball has seen some sweeping changes since the last time both teams took the court. Transfers and graduations have given the men’s team a whole new look.

Now, the court at Mizzou Arena is getting a new look too.

It’s a beautiful change.

Gone is the yellowish wood that came across as dirty and stained on TV. Now, Tiger fans can see a clean, standard-colored court that will come across great when watching from home.

The subtle tiger stripe pattern has been removed from the corners of the baseline, which leaves the edges of the court looking sharp and consistent throughout.

The diamonded ‘MIZZOU’ script is new, and larger than the previous design which can be seen in the background of the photo below.

Feb 23, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Mark Smith (13) reacts after scoring against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Mark Smith (13) reacts after scoring against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Norm Stewart’s signature also looks larger, and the ‘TIGERS’ script has been removed from the court.

Jan 30, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Dru Smith (12) shoots a free throw during overtime against the TCU Horned Frogs at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Dru Smith (12) shoots a free throw during overtime against the TCU Horned Frogs at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, the biggest change is the addition of the silhouette of the state of Missouri to the court. The Tigers have had imagery of the state on their court before, but not on this scale.

The state serves as the focus of the court, and fits great with the rest of the design. You’ll be able to easily make it out on the TV broadcast, but because it’s wood grain and not paint it shouldn’t be obtrusive.

The new court is an unexpected change that is a definite upgrade. It’s clean and full of Missouri pride. Hopefully both Missouri basketball teams can play as well as their new court looks.

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