For every made shot, dunk or free throw attempted at the NCAA Tournament this week in Des Moines, you’ll be watching an Iowa product in plain view. 

Jefferson-based American Athletic, Inc. manufactures basketball backstops for the NBA, WNBA and G League in addition to being the official provider for the NCAA Tournament. 

It’s a big process, and it is a long process, said Vice President of Operations Mark Lane. It is a lot … and lots of parts which are simple by themselves but you have to weld them and put them all together. 

The time it takes to make a single back stop? 24 hours. 

2019 NCAA Tournament in Des Moines

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