BELGRADE (Serbia) - The ASB GlassFloor was one of the main talking points on the eve of the Semi-Finals at the Basketball Champions League Final Four, even among the players, who were quick to express their excitement at the chance of becoming a part of history in Belgrade.

The ASB GlassFloor was officially introduced to international basketball in July 2023, while the BCL will become the first major international club competition whose champion will be determined on this revolutionary surface.

"It's something unique, different. We're all excited to see how the game flows on a different floor like this. It felt good when we were taking pictures, hopefully it feels as good when we're out here practicing and playing [on Friday],  Lenovo Tenerife point guard Marcelinho Huertas said.

I hope it's successful because it looks great and for sure it's going to be very exciting for those watching."

 
Leonidas Kaselakis said during Peristeri bwin's photo session on Wednesday that he could see a floor like this become a standard for major events all over the world. On Thursday, Kaselakis offered his thoughts after practicing on the floor for the first time.

"It was very impressive, for sure. I didn't expect that I would like it so much, because it's not slippery at all. I'm looking forward to our team playing a game here, because this is the first time in Europe that we're using this floor," the Peristeri captain said.

Unicaja's captain Alberto Diaz was also impressed after feeling the floor in the game-like rhythm of practice ahead of the Semi-Finals.

"The grip is the same, you can feel the same as on a traditional court when you run, when you jump, it feels exactly the same. For the fans and the supporters, it's something special. Really nice and I really think everybody will enjoy it," Diaz smiled, probably thinking how cool it could look wrapped in Unicaja's green-and-purple colors if they pick up their first BCL title.

 
Nemanja Radovic was the only one who claimed he's experienced with the ASB GlassFloor.

"I played NBA 2k on a floor like this so it's kinda familiar," UCAM Murcia's Montenegrin laughed out loud.

"It's really nice, we took photos, we practiced, everybody is really excited to try it in a game, and I think it's gonna be a great experience to play on this kind of a floor. It's gonna be amazing."

With all the talk about the floor, one could assume the focus disappears from what really matters. One would be wrong, though, according to Peristeri playcaller Vassilis Spanoulis.

"We have motivated players, hungry players who want to make something special in their careers. They have a chance to make it this year. They worked hard for this, but nothing comes easy. We had a lot of difficulties, and all these difficulties created our character, and our momentum," the Greek legend said.

 
The innovative floor and the new relaxed approach to such an important issue goes well with Spanoulis's thoughts about team mentalities ahead of the Final Four.

"It's very difficult to reach the Round of 16, it's very, very difficult to reach the Play-Offs, and it's very, very, very difficult to reach the Final Four. But now, there's no difficulty. Now, we don't have pressure. We just go to play basketball," he said.

Fans in Belgrade can witness first-hand that pressure-less basketball, on Friday and Sunday. Tickets for the Final Four are on sale and they can purchase them online on the official website, at DDTickets.rs