The Best Basketballs
Basketball is a timeless sport with origins so strictly rooted in the American story that it's a true shock it's not the national pastime of the United States. Whether you're up for a game of horse, perfecting your one-on-one skills, or organizing a full-court match, basketball is accessible, universal, and one of the most popular outdoor activities across the globe. Before you're ready to head to the court, check out our top recommendations for the best basketballs. With a wide range of selections from professional standards to specialized wonders, we're certain that no matter where or when you ball, our picks will take your game to the next level.
Spalding NBA Zi/O Basketball
The Basket's Best Friend
To those who say that all basketballs are made equally, you’ve certainly never felt the difference between a Spalding and, well, everything else. Spalding’s NBA Zi/O Basketball is a magnificent replica of the professional-grade version. (Just because it’s a replica, by the way, doesn’t mean it lacks quality.) This versatile ball can be used indoors and out thanks to its polyester coating. While a genuine leather ball would offer the maximum level of control, leather is somewhat delicate, and repeated use on asphalt and concrete can quickly wear it out. Rather than opting for leather, this one utilizes polyester to coat the synthetic leather core, allowing for a grippy feel that won’t degrade after a couple of seasons.
Pros:
- The foam core allows for a solid bounce every time
- Delivered fully inflated
- An optionable pump can be added to your order
- Adult size 7
Cons:
- The ball will become less grippy after over time
Spalding NBA Varsity Basketball
Top-Class Texture
If your balling is done exclusively outdoors, you’ll struggle to find a better ball than Spalding’s NBA Varsity Basketball. As with most outdoors-only basketballs, The Spalding Varsity’s outer layer consists of synthetic rubber and higher air capacity. The rubber composite is utilized to stave off damage from the elements. Concerning the texture, while the feel won’t be as true as their indoor companions, an indoor basketball could hardly endure a couple of weeks of consistent use on asphalt. With that said, rubber composites make up for this deficit with larger, more well-defined pebbles throughout. As far as PSI is concerned, due to the heavier nature of outdoor balls, more air is required to achieve the same level of bounce. The NBA Varsity can handle higher pressure without missing a beat.
Pros:
- Fantastic value for the price
- Available in eight vibrant colors
- 60-day defect warranty
- Stays inflated for a surprisingly long time
Cons:
- Not ideal for gifting due to poor packaging
GlowCity Basketball
Make Your Shot Shine
The GlowCity Basketball shines brighter than the competition, making it perfect for games that tip off a bit too late in the evening on courts that lack proper lighting. Before you write it off as a gimmick, it’s worth noting that this brilliant ball of energy is sized and weighted to the standard adult size seven, making it a serious if not flashy contender for the top outdoor ball. The core is woven with durable nylon and finished with a rubber composite, giving it the strength to make it through season after season. Whenever the game stops, so does the LED, supplying you with endless hours of illuminated gameplay.
Pros:
- The light is activated by bounce
- Batteries come included and pre-installed
- High-quality customer service
- LED and batteries can be easily removed and replaced with little difficulty
Cons:
- Black paint is prone to chipping
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
Basketball Royalty
When you want a truly professional feel without the professionally prohibitive price point, Wilson’s Evolution Game Ball will elevate your game to new heights. The Evolution Game Ball is designed for indoor play and approved in official high school competitions across the United States. Compared to an authentic leather grip, it’s true that synthetics pale in comparison on their own. However, Wilson’s proprietary blend of composite leather and EVO microfiber give the Evolution Game Ball a baby-soft feel that can be broken in in less than half the time of a traditional indoor ball, and for half the price, too.
Pros:
- The texture becomes smoother and easier to handle over time
- Available in both size 6 and 7
- Moisture-resistant material
- Seven varieties of logo color and an all-black version available
Cons:
- Air valve prone to rising slightly
Spalding Slam Jam Mini Hoop
A Basket For The Boardroom
There are few novelty items as universally present in dorm rooms, offices, and bedrooms across the world as the miniature basketball hoop. This ingenious toy uses a metal hook to wrap seamlessly over just about every door and uses the door frame head to lock it in place. Spalding’s Slam Jam Mini Hoop is the premier novelty basketball hoop, boasting specs reminiscent of a real, professional NBA basket, including the backboard and steel breakaway rim. You can complete what little assembly is required in minutes, leaving you with a pint-sized court that brings endless entertainment to every room.
Pros:
- Included 5-inch mini basketball
- Durable polycarbonate backboard
- Rubber backing prevents door damage
Cons:
- Will not stand up to repeated, hardcore dunking
Frequently Asked Questions
What are basketball’s beginnings as an organized sport?
Whereas just about every other sport can be traced to several founders at different points in time, basketball is a bit of an aberration as far as sports history is concerned. Basketball can be traced back to Canadian PE teacher James Naismith in Massachusetts, 1891. Looking to develop a rigorous activity for off-season athletes in the cold months that was slightly less traumatizing than American Football, Naismith nailed some peach boxes to two poles, grabbed a soccer ball, and the rest is history.
What skills do you need to have to be a good basketball player?
Basketball is an exhilarating sport that doesn’t always come down to your total height (although that does help). In general, the fundamentals that you need to master to excel on the courts are shooting, ballhandling, defense, rebounding, and passing. Due to a lack of any rigid format or consistently planned plays, communication is an essential element of the game. Additionally, due to the game’s back-and-forth nature, explosive speed and strong cardiovascular health are a must-have when playing competitively.
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