NBA Changing Basket Ball

The PBA switched to a new ball last 2004, made the change to a 12-seam, two-tone Molten leather B7L basketball. This two-tone ball kinda exciting coz you see the ball as it spins. I'd love to see Shaq test this ball. We'll see if it ever spins if Shaq throws those bricks. (Maybe I'll get my wish, as O'Neal is a possible team USA Basketball member this summer.) This Molten ball was the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) approved ball. The NBA showing is autonomy in world basketball, did not follow suit.

The NBA a couple of days that they'll be using an improved Official Game Ball that will debut this coming season. After 35 years, this is the first change of official NBA ball. Just to show how long the NBA has been using the ball, Davis Stern has not seen any other Spalding ball in his tenure. Instead of the traditional eight panels of leather sewn together, now it’s constructed of two interlocking cross-shaped panels of microfiber composite material. As claimed by Spalding (and by Paul Pierce), the ball doesn’t need the break-in period needed by currently-used leather balls.

Spalding says its “Cross Traxxion” technology makes it easier to grip (good for small hands like mine). More consistent from ball to ball than the old leather style, and also better able to resist moisture buildup. Price tag is $100 dollars. I wonder if Kobe Bryant will pitch this one again.