What type of basketball does the ncaa use

Or not. If he wants to, California Coach Cuonzo Martin can stitch the game ball himself. College basketball allows a quirk unseen in most other major sports. The NCAA sets basic parameters for a basketball, but the home team is free to choose whatever ball it desires. The balls often differ significantly game to game. Some teams will have home-court advantage, pull out a nasty ball. And that gives you the extra advantage sometimes. Sometimes the ball even weighs different.

Most college teams prepare for the difference. When Alford shoots a free throw, for example, he spins the ball until his finger lands on the rubber air valve. On Adidas balls, a smooth, indented bar code burrows directly below the valve.

The ball feels different rolling off his finger. Players can be picky about their preferred model. The NBA once switched its Spalding ball from leather to microfiber composite. Shooting averages went up. Scoring went up. Turnovers went down. In college, each player has his favorite style of ball. Some players complained that Adidas balls were slippery, so Adidas added deeper grooves. Wilsons are grippy and soft, almost buttery. Stewart described the Under Armour model as rougher and denser.

Most schools ignore preference and stick with their affiliated brands. Among power-conference teams, 41 use Nike, by far the leader. Other tournaments, like the Pac tournament, typically use Wilson, though some schools shift to other brands.

In the Pac Conference, nine teams use Nike. Utah opts for Wilson; Arizona State uses Adidas. Elsewhere, diversity abounds. In football, each offense can use its own ball, even on the road. Here are a few things to watch as the DII men's and women's basketball season officially opens Nov. Don't miss this shot. Men's basketball is back, and this is why we're excited After a busy opening night, Mike Lopresti highlights all the key moments from the first day of NCAA Division I men's basketball and how they fit in history.

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