Id prefer that to the backyard looking thing theyve been using for the past 5 years.

I'm not seeing how the NBL would have been less successful using a ball that wasn't ugly.

You must've hated the white ball introduced in cricket, or variations introduced in soccer, or the WNBL ball used, or hell, money balls in an ASG.

What makes the orange ball professional? Because it's tradition? And tradition before that? So you are thus forever bound to whatever you start with?

euro league plays with black/ orange balls (and all kinds of other things) and they're doing a lot better than the NBL. Like it even matters...

I just think the ball is ugly. It isn't about tradition. It looks like something you use in your backyard or that some kid who doesn't take the game too seriously might buy. They can do something cool and unique with the ball which isn't ugly I am sure. And for those who say it doesn't matter; since when have the aesthetics of the game not mattered?

I'm sure thousands walked away saying "That was a great game of basketball. Pity the ball looked shit"
The ball is unique but not too over the top. Backyard balls are the rubber ones you buy at kmart for $8.
1st world problems!

Well if you admit the balls look shit; why not change them? It is a simple thing that they are in the power to change. It could be made by the same maker, they could just look to give it a more appealing look.

Agree with GWB on this one. I've never liked the "finding nemo" styled orange and white ball. Its not necessarily unprofessional looking, but rather too casual looking I think.

Its not to the extent that it has ruined the league or anything silly like that, but I think there is a more "serious" feel about the game and the league with a standard orange ball.

And the aesthetics of the game does matter. Sometimes lots of little changes like the colour of the ball can have an overall impact on the presentation of the league as a whole.

For the record the black and red balls in euro leaves look Shyte as well. Orange ball would be far better. Why not have an "Nbl" branded orange ball. Looks more serious.

I don't really care about the look of the ball. The problem I have with these balls is that they FEEL terrible. The old 8 panel Molten's were far superior in my opinion.

Put it this way: My friend - a casual fan, often says he HATES the ball. People do notice.

It is also a merchandising thing. You can sell NBA leather balls - no problem, but try selling an NBL ball. People just aren't buying them. They are ugly.

FMD some people need get a life.
The ball should be whichever one earns them the most sponsor dollars. If they can get "Red Dot" to sponsor the league for a few mil, I'm happy to see them play with a bright red ball.

Its Spalding? What in the world makes you think this one particular design of a basketball is responsible for the sponsorship money? It just has to be a Spalding ball! Why not get one which looks like its played with by adults for a change? Hey?

Wilsonnnnnnnnnnnnn!

I think its an interesting topic and it is basketball related after all. I bet you if this happened in the AFL there would be a story about it in the news, and plenty of discussion on forums like this.

It may not be interesting for everyone, and for those that don't care, you aren't forced to read this thread!

I bet you if this happened in the AFL there would be a story about it in the news

I think its an interesting topic and it is basketball related after all.

Not sure what it'll look like, but no doubt Tom Hanks will be involved!

Pretty sure it will be the updated version of the Molten with much better grip.