Home basketball games this season could have a different look on the court if a portable floor is used.The University looked into using the portable rollout floor used by the Thibodaux Civic Center. The floor can be assembled over another hard surface, so even if the original floor isn’t ready, home games can still be played in Stopher gym. The only difference will be that the logo will not be on the temporary floor.

According to Mike Davis, assistant vice president for administration, 18-20 spots on the current floor have either buckled or become damaged due to leaking ice chests. The main focus is a bump right in the center of the floor.

“We had a walk-through with both basketball coaches,” Davis said. “There is enough damage that will prohibit games to be played on the original floor.”

Despite the damages, both the Colonels and Lady Colonels returned to the gym for practice last week. The gyms will continue to be used for practices until a solution is reached.

As far as actually being able to play in the gyms, Davis said it likely wouldn’t be for a couple months after repairs begin.

“If we have to repair the whole floor, then we have to give the contractor a two-month cushion,” Davis said. “If we have to do that, then our whole home basketball season will be affected. If we are only allowed to repair the damaged parts, then we could be playing on our floor before the end of the season.”

FEMA is going to determine whether or not the whole floor must be replaced, but as of now it is still uncertain how long before a decision will be made.

The first official home basketball games aren’t scheduled until December, so there is still time to repair the damages.

The first official home game scheduled in Stopher Gym is the Dec. 17 men’s basketball game against Kentucky Christian. The women’s home opener isn’t until Louisiana-Lafayette on Dec. 21.

Athletics Director Rob Bernardi said he’s hoping everything with the Civic Center works out and the Civic Center cooperates.

“We’re still looking into it, but hopefully things work out,” Bernardi said. “Hopefully Stopher will be open to us for games after the Dec. 17 graduation.”

Work in the gym has already begun, and a decision on the floor will be made once FEMA evaluates the damages. Once a decision is made, the time frame could vary.

“We’ll know for sure sometime prior to graduation,” Davis said. “We just have to pick our best window of opportunity.