Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is one of the most prestigious organizations in college sports. If you’re a basketball fan or a college athlete, you may be wondering what type of basketball the NCAA uses. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the basketballs used by the NCAA, including their size, weight, and other important features.
Official NCAA Basketball Size and Weight
The size and weight of a basketball are crucial factors that can affect the game’s performance and outcome. The NCAA has specific regulations on the size and weight of the basketballs used in college basketball games. The official size of an NCAA basketball is 29.5 inches in circumference, which is the same size as the basketball used in the NBA. This size is ideal for players of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, as it is easy to grip and control.
The weight of the NCAA basketball is between 20 and 22 ounces, which is slightly lighter than the NBA basketball. The lighter weight of the NCAA basketball allows players to shoot and pass the ball with more speed and accuracy. This makes the game more exciting and dynamic, as players can move the ball around the court quickly and efficiently.
The size and weight of the NCAA basketball also affect the way the ball bounces. A properly inflated basketball should bounce to a height of 49 to 54 inches when dropped from a height of 6 feet. The size and weight of the NCAA basketball help to ensure that it bounces consistently and predictably, allowing players to anticipate and react to the ball’s movement.
NCAA Basketball Material
The material used to make a basketball is another critical factor that can affect the game’s performance. The NCAA basketball is made of leather, which is a durable and high-quality material that provides excellent grip and control. The leather used for NCAA basketballs is specially treated to ensure consistency in texture and performance.
The leather used to make NCAA basketballs is of the highest quality, and it is carefully selected to ensure that it meets the NCAA’s strict standards. The leather is treated with a special chemical solution that helps to improve its grip and durability. This treatment also helps to prevent the leather from becoming too slick or slippery, which can affect the ball’s performance on the court.
The leather used for NCAA basketballs is also specially designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. The leather is cut into eight panels and stitched together with a nylon thread. The stitching is reinforced to ensure that the ball does not come apart during play. The leather used for the NCAA basketball is also water-resistant, which helps to prevent the ball from becoming waterlogged during outdoor games.
NCAA Basketball Brand
The official brand of NCAA basketballs is Wilson. Wilson has been the official supplier of basketballs for the NCAA for over 30 years, and their basketballs are used in all NCAA championship games. Wilson is a well-known and respected brand in the world of sports, and their basketballs are known for their high quality and durability.
Wilson basketballs are made using the latest technology and materials to ensure that they meet the highest standards of performance. The company has a team of experts who are dedicated to designing and testing new basketballs to ensure that they meet the needs of players at all levels.
Wilson basketballs are also designed to be comfortable and easy to grip. The pebbled surface of the basketball provides excellent grip and control, allowing players to shoot and pass the ball with precision and accuracy. The eight-panel design of the basketball also helps to improve its grip and balance, making it easier for players to handle the ball.
NCAA Basketball Design
The design of the NCAA basketball is similar to that of the NBA basketball, with a pebbled surface and eight panels. The panels are made of leather, and they are stitched together with a nylon thread. The NCAA basketball also features the NCAA logo and the Wilson logo.
The pebbled surface of the NCAA basketball helps to improve its grip and control. The pebbles provide a rough texture that allows players to grip the ball firmly, even when their hands are sweaty or wet. The eight-panel design of the basketball also helps to improve its grip and balance, making it easier for players to handle the ball.
The panels of the NCAA basketball are made of leather, which is a durable and high-quality material. The leather used for the NCAA basketball is specially treated to ensure consistency in texture and performance. The panels are stitched together with a nylon thread, which is strong and durable, ensuring that the ball does not come apart during play.
The NCAA basketball also features the NCAA logo and the Wilson logo. The NCAA logo is located on one of the panels, while the Wilson logo is located on another panel. These logos help to identify the basketball as an official NCAA basketball and a Wilson basketball.
NCAA Basketball Inflation
Inflation is an important factor that can affect the performance of the NCAA basketball. The NCAA has specific regulations on the inflation of basketballs used in college basketball games. The official inflation pressure for an NCAA basketball is between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Proper inflation is crucial for the ball’s performance on the court. Overinflated basketballs can bounce too high and be difficult to control, while underinflated basketballs can be too soft and not bounce properly. Proper inflation ensures that the ball bounces predictably and consistently, allowing players to anticipate and react to its movement.
The NCAA requires that basketballs be checked for proper inflation before each game. The officials use a pressure gauge to measure the inflation pressure of the basketballs. If a basketball is found to be overinflated or underinflated, it must be adjusted to the proper inflation pressure before the game can begin.
NCAA Basketball Storage
Proper storage is important for maintaining the quality and performance of the NCAA basketball. Basketball storage should be in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Exposure to heat and sunlight can cause the leather to dry out and crack, affecting the ball’s grip and durability.
Basketballs should also be stored properly inflated. Over time, basketballs can lose air pressure, and storing them underinflated can cause them to become misshapen. Proper inflation helps to maintain the ball’s shape and bounce.
Basketballs should also be stored in a way that prevents them from becoming damaged. Storing them in a pile or on top of each other can cause them to become flattened or misshapen. A basketball rack or storage container can help to keep basketballs organized and prevent them from becoming damaged.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NCAA uses a Wilson leather basketball that is 29.5 inches in circumference and weighs between 20 and 22 ounces. The basketball features a pebbled surface, eight panels, and the NCAA and Wilson logos. The recommended inflation pressure is between 7.5 and 8.5 PSI. By understanding the features of the NCAA basketball, you can better appreciate the skill and athleticism of college basketball players.
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