The maple hardwood that makes up the courts at the men's and women's Final Four is part of basketball's foundation.

"The tradition of the game of basketball was created on hardwood," said Zach Riberdy ... court for the women's Final Four ...

“The tradition of the game of basketball was created on hardwood,” said Zach Riberdy ... it’s no coincidence that the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association was founded six years after ...

I can still grimace at some of the floor burns I got diving ... Williams can feel history emanating from the hardwood, too. UNC’s Smith Center has the same maple court from the building ...