The Weird Truth About The NBA's New Basketballs...

[@kelinator2000]

The reason for the skin cuts and splits was probably because the microfibers were soaking up the sweat and oils from the players' hands. When skin is exposed to really absorbent material or distilled water the oils gets sucked out off the skin, and skin gets prone to cracking which is really painful. I work with distilled water alot and dry skin or skin cracks are a common occurrence.

[@severalwolves]

hey I work with distilled water a lot while making dyes and inks for artwork, and my fingers always end up dried and cracked - there are other chemicals involved though, so I never suspected it was from the water itself…

[@andresmartinezramos7513]

​@@severalwolvesdistilled water is surprisingly nasty

[@Lord_zeel]

My thoughts exactly. The ball doesn't cut you, but it's like juggling silica gel packets all day. They ended up with really dry skin, and dry skin getting repeatedly impacted is a recipe for cracking and bleeding. It's probably not something you would even see from anyone that wasn't a professional practicing for many hours daily, but for NBA players this is their life so they were handling these things constantly.

[@sipenarekbecha7193]

I thought water (yeah the distilled water) repels oil (including sebum) ? 🤔

[@TheWritersMind]

Good shout, this also probably wouldn’t have been picked up during mechanical testing of the ball.

[@AnonyMous-eq7iq]

They'll add a perforated leather cover to the outside. It would keep the same feel and aerodynamics as the current balls but wouldn't need inflation. Adding solid leather would make air pressure involved again so perforated is the way it'll go

[@jaydeleon695]

That's what I was thinking too. Make it slightly smaller and lighter then cover it with leather and tell no one; see how many people notices. That could also solve another problem aside from aerodynamics and feel which is the moisture it'll pick up when used. With that many holes I doubt the officials can keep that thing dry throughout the game; good luck getting all the sweat, water, drinks of any kind out of those holes.

[@AAGEnzee]

@@jaydeleon695 I'm less concerned about liquids as I am solid stuff. You can spin the ball and the majority of liquid would come off from inside. Sure, it'd still be 'damp' but I don't think it would really effect it too much, and you could switch to a backup ball while it dried if it was really an issue. Heck, rinse it under some water, then set it aside to dry and it'll be good. However, imagine something like a tiny pebble/rock getting pushed through the hole on a bounce and then rattling around inside it. Granted, it's less likely in an arena vs playing outside, it's still possible. Popcorn kernel falls on the edge of the court from fans, the ball picks it up as it's dribbled over it, etc.. stuff like that.

[@sprawlz6466]

You'd have to cover it carefully. Reducing the total surface area that the air inside can escape while the ball is compressed (bouncing) actually will give it an air pressure component. So they'd have to cover it with leather, but not block the holes at the same time. That would probably take more years of testing. And seeing as how they already spent the time to make the ball with the holes perfect, I honestly doubt they'll alter the outside surface of it. I'd also be willing to bet that no one is gonna like how it feels lol. It's gonna be the same thing as 2006.

[@imabirdo]

cool idea but they want to avoid using animal products (I think) too and the synthetic stuff got shut down... one thing I am certain those balls won't have good wear and tear for street ball much less playing outside in the rain.

[@zknedrums]

I am Wilson ! And all of you are hired!!!

[@theprogressivemichigander6588]

If it can be cheap enough, this would be great for lots of sports. With Wilson, tennis balls come to mind. You can't reinflate them so it's a pretty significant expense and the bounce changes a lot with the temperature. Soccer balls would be nice too. I would have appreciated a ball that didn't need inflating as a kid.

[@Wingnut353]

That's the thing... 3d printing per unit is much much more expensive than normal mass production methods. And very time consuming per unit as well.

[@sleepingtom9337]

They’ll cost like 250 for one

[@OrdinaryLatvian]

​@@sleepingtom9337 250 what, Yen?

[@adafrost6276]

@@Wingnut353 SLS printing can be used fairly effectively for smaller scale runs of things, like making balls for schools and some high end customers. If it catches on then, they would switch to injection molding for a wide scale release.

[@maslelviz]

The thing is that this new ball is essentially a piece of plastic with a bunch of holes in it. Imagine this thing flying at full speed into your face. That's a big nope, especially for soccer, where you have to hit it with your head.

[@willpina]

I bought one of those new official 2006 balls when they first came out. I believe I paid about $150 for it. I love that ball, still have it. It has a much better grip than the other balls, specially for someone like me that has average size hands, but I agree that it becomes slippery when wet and also after a long shoot around, my fingertips would feel kinda tender. But it is more consistent and accurate, specially for bounce passes and bank shots off the back board

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@Mastermind4life]

Why Would You Say Something So Controversial Yet So Brave?

[@benamisai-kham5892]

I just used to love the softness of it hitting my palm. After a bit of use it just became perfect for hand feel (yes very slick but otherwise I honestly loved it) I loved tossing it between my hands and spinning it across my palms. My brother had the ball, I think it's still at my parents house in my dad's garage. I also remember those weird slightly more bulbous basketballs with more inset lines that got weirdly popular about 08

[@ganiniii]

150$😂 and the leather was changed for a much cheaper material. I bet I known why they tried to push that ball so much.

[@moddable6921]

I much prefer the 2006 balls over leather ones personally. They are way more consistent than leather balls in my opinion and are more resistant to the general wear and cracking that leather can experience after some time of use

[@spiderface9179]

The additive manufacturing (3d printing) technique they used for this ball is one of the less common ones but has still been around since the 80s. Selective laser sintering. It makes sense for this application as it doesn't need support structure and can print in a wide variety of materials even metal. A stereolithography printer could also probably print this geometry but they can only print in less flexible resins

[@eljoho622]

extremly expensive, if they keep using this tech they will never make that ball commercialy possible.

[@spiderface9179]

@@eljoho622 wrong

[@eljoho622]

@@spiderface9179 go try and print a model that big using Laser sintering. I own some 3D printers myself, with FDM or SLA it will cost you a few hundred dollars. Laser sintering is a hell lot more expensive. Additive manufscturing may be good for prototyping but when it comes to mass production it isn't good enough.

[@n16161]

@@eljoho622it’ll be commercially possible, it’ll also just be expensive. I really don’t know who or what this ball is for. I guess to reduce waste of basketballs after they wear out. And it looks cool. Except it won’t look as cool when it’s covered like it should be for a smooth but grippy feel. Is basketball waste really a priority for this planet? That really something we need to solve? Popping basketballs is really that big of a deal?

[@walmartian422]

@@n16161 This entire thing reeks of a vanity project by some executive in Wilson with pull who has been trying to introduce 3d printing technology into their sports division even though nobody actually needs it. It really makes me think of someone coming up with an idea then someone else saying "Yea but why the fuck would we need that and why would anyone do that?" Then the guy who pitched the idea turns it into a matter of pride and keeps pushing this shit on everyone until we are at where we are now.

[@PumpkinBreath]

Evolution basketballs 🏀 were the best.

[@ddennis2430]

Are the best

[@mcray0309]

I own one and I 100 agree

[@ItsCrawdaddy]

Facts, I found an almost brand new evolution at a Good Will once for like $8. They had no idea what they had. That shits like $70 new lol

[@kandypaints]

@@ItsCrawdaddyno way

[@ronaldswanson333]

@@ItsCrawdaddy that’s a steal😂😂😂

[@TruthJX]

I don't know if there has been any expressed intent to replace the league's balls with these. To me, the whole airless ball project kind of seems catered towards individuals, namely outdoor players. When I hear "3D printed basketball" I think of a ball that is cheap to produce. I may be wrong about that, because I know the production of these balls is much more complex than the 3d printing we're used to. Still, it would be really dope if this ball does end up being an ideal choice for outdoor players. A cheap ball that requires no maintenance and can be replaced easily.

[@salvadorromero9712]

I know there's a *huge* push from tire companies to develop noninflatables. It would be a huge leap forward--maybe not as revolutionary as the move *to* inflatable tires and balls etc. in the late 19th century but huge nonetheless. It really seems more a matter of when than if at this point. We'll see them on military and industrial craft, competitive racing craft, consumer craft, sooner or later and probably sooner than we might think. They will certainly have solved the "pebbles getting stuck in them" problem more crucially than the basketball folks, whatever that solution might be!

[@kingdingaling2469]

This ball is lame af Spalding makes the best B Ball

[@MickeyMouse-lm6zj]

it would arguably be the worst outdoors

[@WumboMing]

You wouldn’t be able to hoop outside with this ball. The wind would effect the shot and pebbles would get in the holes

[@jaybird634]

Until a rock gets stuck in it !

[@Palozon]

I want a series of show matches with the ball. The potential aerodynamic quirks could mess players up, but with practice it could also raise the skill ceiling and introduce variety and specialization in the same way that the different clay, grass, and hard courts in tennis do. Different balls, different techniques.

[@keiyakins]

Plus, doing some extra matches with it is a good way to test the ball under real world conditions before committing to changing the league.

[@ashemabahumat4173]

Just dont replace the balls outright, host games out of season or side events like a layup or dunk challenge to gauge the feel and performance of the balls, as well as player feedback. That way, you can actually _test_ it without forcing such a drastic, random change onto the players

[@Allhavengames]

im sure they would never switch NBA like that. too much on the line to abruptly change the ball it would be practice and off season first. im kind of curious to try it though

[@Vespyr_]

People are so afraid of change.

[@erueka6]

​@@Vespyr_no there's a reason things sometimes don't change it's called wisdom and experience used be common and we respected the people who had it our elders now we have the 2 retarded generations who denigrate and belittle them and look stupefied and cry in pain when asking why it blew up in their faces.

[@ryanjohnson4565]

Swap it out without anyone knowing. Then tell them a year later. Film the reaction and make a commercial. Rake in the dough

[@Vespyr_]

@@ryanjohnson4565 Bro. It looks like a honey comb lol.

[@devn266]

I’ve always loved Wilson way more than Spalding. Their Evolution ball that everyone uses at the HS & college level feels amazing.

[@PaLoHQ]

This ball is perfect for poverty areas, I recall a different company did a unpopable soccer ball. This could be used that way, in conjunction to be a featured in the NBA one day.

[@Lola23339]

I kept 3 of the 2006 balls. I actually liked playing with them. Even if this new ball is exactly like the current one, there's a psychological issue at play. The current balls are fine so, in my opinion, there's no sense in changing them.

[@mattiasbystedt1332]

I agree. The balls weigh the same so I can't imagine it being a good environmental choice either. That's the only reason I could see.

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@jacobg6528]

Absolutely no reason at all to change them. We need to stop fixing things that aren't broken

[@m0rthaus]

When businesses create a solution for a problem that doesn't exist, there's always something else at play - usually, money. Either the replacement product is cheaper to produce at scale than the original, or they're hoping they can trigger a fad and sell everyone a new ball. The only thing that loses out for sure is the environment.. instead of using natural leather and rubber (though I know petrochemicals are involved in most modern basketballs), they're moving to pure 'elastomeric polymer' balls - essentially a combination glue and plastic, probably carbon fibre and other components too. You can guarantee it's not recyclable, and likely non-decomposing. Thanks, Wilson.

[@MrKevin486]

Its prolly considerably cheaper for them to produce, thats why. Profits.

[@lucidstudious750]

This could work if they add a layer covering the holes. It needs to feel and play EXACTLY like current basketballs, but with a different inside Edit: y'all are having a great discussion in the comment section about this

[@evosioa2944]

fr

[@ricorite5617]

But then it wouldn't be airless

[@John-pp6xy]

@@ricorite5617 I mean he's saying make it without holes, so no it'd just be hollow no need for air since its 3d printed

[@juanpablogarcia9309]

@@John-pp6xy and what is the hollow part filled with?

[@4purs]

@@juanpablogarcia9309ou know you can make a hollow structure without filling it with pressurized air right. An “airless” ball is just a different material all together that keeps its shape without air inside, it doesn’t have to be filled with holes. It’s just easier to 3D print if it is. They could cover it with a leather wrap or something to make it feel like a ball, but it’s definitely FAR from being able to replace a real basketball

[@WolfHeathen]

This is the perfect example of why you shouldn't attempt to fix what isn't broken.

[@Teknakill]

THIS IS STUPID. (not you, the video)

[@mohnjarx7801]

Those holes will act like seams on a baseball. Depending on how you grip and release the ball it'll do all sorts of weird things

[@grabthememesandrun1204]

Interesting. I wonder if that would allow players of all sizes to palm the ball. Could even the playing field, or fuck literally everything up

[@mohnjarx7801]

@@grabthememesandrun1204 maybe it will level the playing field by fucking literally everything up? lol

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@jacobvestering4197]

Microfiber is great at cleaning. It will clean the oil right off your skin. Drying skin out, causing it to crack.

[@Poekuli]

I want to see something like this for tennis, I know that Wilson triniti balls are pressureless and I enjoy them. But it would be awesome considering how quickly balls get used up. Obviously it will be very difficult to keep the same spin but I hope one day I won't have to switch out old balls

[@Luigi777888]

You think shock injuries will ever be solved?

[@generalmisery]

There are also these rubber balls that are just terrible. A new one roughs up your hands. We used to spin in in our hands for hours before we were happy to use it. It did perform equally, but why not use the leather one to begin with. I think that might be a similar problem with the new one. Having hard edges is not good. I am also concerned about dust inside the ball. They would most likely build up stuff inside like hair and skin particles. While balls are dirty on the outside, you can't clean the inside causing it to be filthy after some time. You also can't put cloth on the outside, because it wouldn't bounce as well, so you can't fix the problem. Neither do I trust that it would bounce after laying in a corner for 4 years like air balls do. Remember, NBA balls are usually the standard that everyone uses including kids.

[@gaius_enceladus]

As the video touched on, the aerodynamics of this ball would probably be *very* different to the existing ball, with some air going into the inside of the ball. That would *have* to affect its flight characteristics. It looks great, sure, but looks are a lot less important than "feel" and performance - bounce and flight.

[@ince55ant]

also when it spins all those holes each create drag.

[@davidgeiger]

The most interesting thing here is the materials and manufacturing tech, that’s one hell of a material if it can withstand those forces and deformations for a decent lifespan, I can see this being used for all kinds of next gen protective gear.

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@Unrages]

to fix the issues of finger nails and things getting caught and aerodynamics just use it as a core and put leather on the outside.. easy.. airless but essentially the same feel, grip, all that

[@darketernal3]

When a sphere with holes like that spin, there's going to be drag. To stop the drag, you'll have to close up the holes, or make them small enough where airflow isn't going to be an issue. Then to fix the texture, you'll have to wrap the ball with the same or similar leather. Then to prevent dust and water buildup contaminating the interior of the ball you'll have to prevent things from entering the holes, either by plugging it up or having a one way hole design. In order to prevent the air being ejected out in a one way hole, you'll have to ensure there's enough air that enters and remains inside the interior. Congrats, you just created the current leather ball.

[@rks5457]

Lmfao exactly what I was thinking. It's like these people never seriously played basketball. They forgot the most important aspect of the game which is shooting. And when a player shoots a jump shot they will put backspin on it with a flick of the wrist. It can be the difference between a swish and brick. That seemingly small difference in trajectory will really stand out in a game where each team can take a 100 shots per game.

[@ince55ant]

they're literally trying to reinvent the wheel, but in 3D this reads like NBA people are getting paid for wilson to increase profits with a cheaper, worse product. if they were serious there'd be years of testing at more junior level games before even thinking of asking top teir professionals to touch the thing

[@NoobsDeSroobs]

There will always be drag, and it is not game breaking changes. Some divits are often used to reduce drag, and holes can provide a different path for air reducing the air volume being displaced by the ball. It will change, but that is just a matter of getting used to it again. Dust and water buildup will not be a problem as the thing is filled with holes. Because there are many holes, having too little air inside the ball is a non-issue. You are just making problems where there are none. There are changes and challenges, perhaps too big ones, but no obvious breaking problems.

[@jake_of_the_jungle9840]

I remember in school they had both old and new kinds, the new kind felt disgusting I can’t describe it but just the feeling of those balls annoyed me.

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@donyjunior]

A solution that no one asked for, for a problem that does not exist, to sell something that no one needs.

[@Teknakill]

Ya this is stupid shit.

[@invisalats841]

There is a good chance the perforation would lend itself well to the current 3pt Era. The players would need at least a full off-season to practice with it though. Also another person mentioned coating it with perforated leather, which would probably help maintain a certain comfort level with players.

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@opman3393]

At that point why not just keep the current ball. It feels redundant to attempt to replicate something if you already have it; especially if there is no real issue with the current one.

[@spacegoatable]

@@opman3393 Still wouldn't be inflated

[@tkspiderman23]

Great vid!!! I miss those evo balls

[@jaymaledic5730]

The ball looks revolutionary and... hideous. Also, if it bounces off someone's drink/beer, its inside would be one heck of a job to dry off.

[@MADDlSH]

dish washer homie

[@JaeDee66]

@@MADDlSH I think they meant during a nba game.

[@DudeMcGuybro]

@@JaeDee66 Switch it out. You think they really bring just one ball to the game? lol

[@VashStarwind]

I wonder how sturdy that material is. Like can you stand on it like you could a regular ball? Something to think about.

[@roobear5357]

I hope they don’t think too much about it, and just take your advice and stand on it!

[@oliverhardin1413]

8:48 "yeah write something on that whiteboard behind you" *ah yes, the ball goes into hoop*

[@godisadude]

Great job bro. I got a better inside from your old video even though you haven't tried the ball that from most current reviews of the first gen airless. Keep it up

[@glasscrafter669]

My only issue is being plastic as it ages. It gets brittle you have to soak them to keep them simmy the right consistency. Over time

[@VenomTNT]

The plastic polymer used is an industry secret, but from research im doing its something probably similar to PA12, which is quite durable ngl. It also absorbs moisture very well.

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@davidarmstrong3964]

Gonna be great for schools and after school programs. Under inflated balls kill the vibe when you’re trying to play pickup games

[@El_Goblino_]

I have a tip for you put the thing into the ball and simply pump it 🤯

[@davidarmstrong3964]

You have never not had a pump or tip handy? What a life you live my friend. Always having an inflated ball and a sarcastic asshole. The whole package.

[@matthewblue1158]

The wild ass broken finger caught me off guard 😂😂

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@liontigeman23]

every time I see the Seattle SuperSonics I remind myself oh my team is not at home anymore and then search for hours for any talks for Seattle to come back in the NBA.

[@reganes]

I can't wait to pick one of these up to play on the outdoor courts around the corner from our place - I agree, I think this is the market for this. The comment in the video about the changing flight of the ball is valid, but we contest with the wind altering the path of the ball as it is now, arguably one with holes might be less affected by strong wind shifts? So pros and cons either way. Still they look very cool - I want one. 🙂

[@Blackcat-yc5mu]

What about Little Rock’s that can get inside?

[@xiaoxiaojuzi0225]

I'm more concern about those lil rocks that get stuck inside.

[@gillegan7189]

@@Blackcat-yc5mu im sorry but how stupid do you have to be to think this? If rocks can get in they can get out. If it can fit through the hole it will just fall out

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@Bound2BeatU]

I just really don’t see what the problem with the original was like sure it has air pressure “issues” but it just seems dumb to me.

[@mikejones-nd6ni]

A problem I don't hear about and a Big one in my opinion is the sound or lack thereof. Idon't like it because the sound of the dribble plays a Big part and without that if you don't have eyes on your taking away a very useful benifit that these new balls can't have. If it ain't broke don't fix it. They're trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist just to make money. This is only good for people to use indoors

[@Its-Just-Zip]

Sports Dynamics aside because I don't play basketball and I'm not sure why. I'm watching this video because I don't have much desire to really watch basketball, but this is interesting. I actually got to work with either a predecessor or a related model of the 3D printers that Wilson is using on these basketballs in college. We used the powder 3D printers to make robotics parts that had to be consistent across the entire surface but for one reason or another we couldn't use resin they printed extremely consistently, which was surprising considering it's a bed of powder. Despite my lack of interest in the sport, I'm interested to see how this new basketball goes and I'll probably follow the NBA for the first little bit when/if they introduce it, just to see what happens.

[@kwmcgreal]

How come no one is talking about sound??? I mean, sure handling is important but what about that satisfying resonant slap against the court....? (I am kind of not serious but I immediately thought about that

[@realnametunji6605]

I have a idea use more thicker alligator skin for the Wilson ball. Add bigger holes for more ventilation, but also use crystals in the inner core layer for equal gravity but also depth

[@Skeletor-hl9jd]

And also cover it in spikes that way it's easier to catch

[@isaiahdaniels5643]

And put a jet engine on one end for easy 3 pointers and glass shattering dunks.

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@efraim6960]

add a gyroscope at the center

[@realnametunji6605]

I’m thinking more of AI ball eh? Like with Siri installed

[@gokhan4461]

The concerns about holes are completely understandable, but it doesn't need to have holes. You can produce it with eight panels and "stitch" them together, it's a relatively easy adjustment. They can also cover it with a leather like material. I think they made the design this way to draw attention and show off the capabilities.

[@meh7348]

That ball that was ripping up fingers and whatnot, literally only done to save money yet i can only imagine how much was lost having to bail on it lol

[@fernandoquintana2476]

Got a Spalding Legacy for Christmas and end up with cuts on my fingers all the time.

[@iamthevince501]

Also that ball looks like a bitch to get hit by. A regular wilson, spalding or molten ball already hurt if you get hit hard i can't imagine getting the equivalent of a 12 oz plastic water bottle hitting me at basketbal speeds it would affect rebounding, stealing or even shooting because it can cause a lot of confusion due to the haptic cues shooters use to line the ball up with their hands

[@DudeMcGuybro]

The 06 ball was like shooting with sandpaper. Awful feeling texture.

[@keegankadi624]

i think its a good concept if they put a wrap of some kind similar to leather on it to stop the change in air distribution from a typical leather ball that was previously superior in performance

[@jobieheiser443]

I dont think they intend for the ball with the holes to be the final product, its just the inside of the ball, like the rubber bladder they use now. They just take this new ball, slap the leather outside on it from the old ball, and voila, all the problems you just stated are solved. It looks the same, feels exactly the same, and flys exactly the same way, and its still airless.👍

[@ince55ant]

na its just the grid, otherwise there would have been a single example of this skin in use, which there isnt, because they want to make as cheap a product as possible that requires as little human involvement as possible

[@jobieheiser443]

@@ince55ant Or maaayybbe it's just a prototype, and not a finished product 🤦‍♂️

[@christenn32]

Why the need to constantly change things? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[@yuukifenia1611]

One point to me would be that while they're trying to reduce variance in air pressure, that's what makes the games fun and interesting. It also does not mean the worse player wins as the better player noticed and adapts faster. It shows off more skill. I feel like that's a factor that'll come back in years where we can't go back but wish we could. Also it DEFINITELY will affect the shooting and arcs especially with all of those air pockets. I am curious to see if there's a new kind of throw or arc it'll have compared to normal ones.

[@yuukifenia1611]

@@obscuretenet yeah the fact that he delivers consistently regardless of a so called inconsistent ball. Almost like you're commenting on a video about redesigning a basketball and getting snippy about someone talking about the design of a basketball 🤣

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@human-ft3wk]

@An Obscure Tenet Last season's games had amazing ball air pressure statistics, don't lie

[@ryanwarner5006]

This is in no way what makes the game fun or interesting. It's in fact the opposite.

[@rks5457]

​@@ryanwarner5006yeah, I'm not trying to see the best in the world struggle and try to adapt to some new technology lmfao. I'd go back to college and watch lab students if that were true.

[@Mykyta_Palamarchuk]

As a non-profesional occasional player - I would buy. It looks so cool as it is right now, without the perforated leather, if they are planning to add it later. I will probably strip off the leather coat, if there will be one, as soon as I buy one. 😅

[@UncleGingersChronicles]

That magnetic ball has revolutionized three point shooting for Steph Curry. 😢

[@RavivLadaga]

😂

[@Allhavengames]

as someone who played for years including high school. the feel of the ball is huge to me. so switching that up after years idk. I would have to try the new one and see how it feels to shoot and feel the grip

[@l.a.rodriguez9581]

Why is the ball not orange? Athletes are notoriously superstitious and if the ball is black or white, it’s a non-starter. I’m not saying they’ll accept an orange wiffle ball, but that’s part of it.

[@YankeeD23]

They're basically just advertising these balls to the public. If they act as if their new ball is truly something to be considered for professional use, it implies that it is a good product. (Which has actually yet to be determined). I imagine the NBA's ball would remain orange no matter what it's made out of. Though it wouldn't look as nice as the traditional balls do in orange. The color of the prototypes were black and white, probably because a bright orange ball would make their product look even tackier. With that said, I doubt that NBA players will ever approve the use of this wiffle ball. Change the ball, and you change the sport.

[@TeamStudNation1280]

​@@YankeeD23 what about brown?

[@YankeeD23]

@#TeamStudNation1280 Who knows. They could also make them multi-colored like the Euroleagues balls. They've got lots of options and potential. We'll see

[@loggerice]

Someone with Trypophobia gonna get repelled from basketball.

[@Guyonnn]

The cuts from the ball sounded fishy to me. Glad to see the university found the same. But I had no idea all this happened. Interesting video.

[@rumham7631]

The ball wasn't cutting their hands, it was drying their hands out(it was wrapped in a microfiber material) which made their hands significantly more susceptible to cuts. When I worked in a grocery store my hands would dry out from opening cardboard boxes. They would crack all the time which had never happened before and hasn't happened since.

[@deltacx1059]

It's rather pointless to make a different ball that performs identically to the existing ball, there is no improvement so there is no need to make it.

[@benvolio28]

This is a perfect example of a company or designer creating something that doesn't need to be changed. No NBA player asked for this, no player is complaining about the changing air pressure

[@subn0rma1]

Right. These professionals are extremely skilled because they've spent thousands and thousands of hours practicing, ever since they were little kids. Then you go and totally change that tool that they've been honing their skills on? Why? No one asked for it, and no one wants it. The ball is fine. Just leave it alone.

[@g76agi]

​@@subn0rma1Imagine if people talked like this about formula Take a step back and listen to how ridiculous you sound, please.

[@MrDylanHole]

did anyone at wilson stop to ask, 'but why?'

[@Mommythief0069]

The new basketball should go through rigorous testing before even getting into a game but if the time necessary is taken it could be a great thing

[@BADASS668]

U don’t think they are going to do that lol

[@isaiahdaniels5643]

What's the major flaw with the old ball though? The fact it needs to be precisely inflated? It just doesn't seem like it's worth changing the whole design over.

[@Ghost-fc9hw]

​@@isaiahdaniels5643Significantly cheaper to produce and maintain

[@vlada]

Great thing for consumers? Probably not. The ball companies aren't going to produce outdoor balls that will last longer or be cheaper. Great things for NBA pros? Definitely not. After all that testing you're going to have to go a generation of youth that grew up with that ball. The only benefit is that a 3d printed ball doesn't demand a workforce (you know those dirt poor countries where the big sports brands go to a worse place where they can pay kids even less) so the manufacturers can save lots of money by getting rid of their cheap labour. It is a great thing for manufacturers.

[@P4NCH1]

I want to try it as is it now! I'm not optimistic as to NBA changing to that as the regulated one, manly because of aerodynamics (I can see it giving great changes on long shooting due to its perforated and hollow nature), none the less, I really think it would be interesting to play with that ball.

[@Frank7489]

I’m wondering if you play in different places, the ball should feel different due to elevation, humidity, air pressure. If this new ball isn’t inflated, it wouldn’t have most of those issues

[@nsahandler]

The issue with this logic is that balls are inflated and tested before the game, on-location. Elevation and temp will not affect a rack of balls that are inflated and tested that day; Internal psi is consistent if the environment it is inflated in is consistent. What you are saying WOULD matter IF the ball was inflated somewhere else then MOVED to another location with significant ATM and TEMP changes that would create variation in psi. Source: dive master. psi and atm are literally life or death.

[@nsahandler]

Ex. If you inflated a basketball at sea level, it's psi will be higher in the mountains. If you inflated a basketball in winter, during the summer it will be hard as a rock. You can also do this with water bottles while driving through the mountains.

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@Jdrunnin]

I'll be honest, I think there is still air in that ball.

[@nickyoung6031]

That open design might be good for playing outside, to reduce how much wind effects the ball

[@NORMIES_GET_OUT]

I wonder if you could make the new ball curve like a wiffle ball. Would be cool if players could start making crazy curve shots/passes by adding spin.

[@toututu2993]

I like the non air pressure ball idea but not bunch of holes. They need to cover it with something that can last playing outside

[@toututu2993]

@christian marrero But it'll be even better if is designed to play in both

[@Powermongur]

@@toututu2993 Rocks can hit the holes edges and the ball will bounce unpredictably.

[@VenomTNT]

@christian marrero Not necessarily, at all actually, theres not really a market option for a top of the line basketball that doesnt have extremely durability issues when playing outside. It is also puncture resistant which is massive.

[@ziegfeld4131]

​@@Powermongur you dont clean your court off before playing?

[@drtaverner]

I wonder why people think this would lack grip or air resistance. 1: It's clearly not hard like a PLA or ABS plastic. It would be more like a kind of TPU or Silicone plastic, which would absolutely grip and bounce. 2: When the ball is in flight it's usually spinning. The dimples on the surface alter the aerodynamics of a leather ball. This ball would behave similarly while spinning. In fact I expect that, given practice, the larger spaces will give players even greater control over longer distances.

[@mikehunt9884]

i know this probably would be difficult to do, but the way you introduce something as game changing as a new ball type, you cannot ask already established NBA players to just go with it. You have to start raising the upcoming crop of players to use the ball from the beginning, that way they're used to it by the time they reach the NBA. Personally i would agree with the video, If it aint broke, don't fix it. The composite ball was just a way for the NBA and Spalding to save money. Now the NBA switched company, from spalding to wilson, so now wilson wants to justify their job, kind of like when a new manager gets hired at a new place and starts just changing stuff that don't need to be changed.. So wilson comes up with this horrible airless ball.. which is the dumbest idea ever..

[@NickTeller-p8h]

The key words are "game changing" not many people want the game to change, because they love it how it is.

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@SirDanteNathanael]

Leather balls are the best ones in my opinion. Though, some of this new material being used feels pretty good now. FIBA Molten official game balls feel pretty good as well. They break in fast too. But at the same rate, they also get old fast. I'm excited to see this new technology unfold and see what kind of ball they come up with!

[@ryelor123]

While I don't like sports, this video was recommended and I have to add this: its a game. This isn't some factory process where efficiency is the most important parts. Consistency is important in sports because it allows you to compare players over a long period of time. As such, they shouldn't be changing things like this.

[@theloyalwraiths8827]

Funny, that's the exact same argument for a new ball. Two rectify the inconsistencies of the old one.

[@Clutch180]

Idk.... I think it'd be pretty interesting to see someone "curving" their shots or passes around the court. Imagine a side-winding shot curves horizontally around the hand, and the resulting spin against the backboard arrests the reflected momentum.... just ... drops in the basket. Or maybe like an aggressive Sandy Koufax sinking basketball shot. Looks like it's about to hit the back board on a frozen rope and then just Turns on the rocket engine and bolts downwards through the net.

[@jakubkrivanek3112]

Natural leather is an unique material. With sweat from your hands it becomes sticky instead of slippery. I can't see any composite doing the same while being bouncy and cheap at the same time. The whole air pressure and bounce is a nonsense. Sure temperature changes the bounce of a leather ball, but you can allways inflate or deflate it to make a correction. With airless homogenous composite, temperature will change it's bounce, but there will be no way of correcting it. And third, there is that thing with holes. Gym floor can be a messy place whatever you do. Hair, fibers from cloth, dust particles, everything is there. NBA courts may be cleaner than your local gym, but still. Those holey balls WILL soak all the hair and fiber on the ground inside and there will be no easy way to get it out.

[@reganes]

Won't it just come out of the same holes it soaked into?

[@taylor-worthington]

It cannot be exactly the same, especially to seasoned pros who molded their precise skills with the old balls. Assuming such a change, it would take years for players to grow accustomed to the inevitable, crucial differences. Conceivably however, those differences would just become new aspects of the game and skillset. It seems a little archaic to be using animal skins.

[@isaiahdaniels5643]

Right, the grip is going to be way different. That edge between grip and slide during a shot is now going to depend on where your fingers might be between holes.

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@vlada]

If you're eating the cow, you might as well use the leather.

[@SirDanteNathanael]

I think they can just make the holes in that ball a lot smaller to where you can feel them. That way they can get a better surface area to mimic the leather texture. The next problem is the air flow issue they spoke about. Maybe some kind of a film behind the holes. All I know is, this ball is so cool and I want to get my hands on one.

[@nicknett8]

I much prefer Wilson over spalding the nxt once broken in is my favourite ball to play. I find Wilson balls bounce better too

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake..

[@thesmithchristian]

Bottomline, stop trying to fix something that isn't broken. History sure loves to repeat itself.

[@AlphaDwg]

I want to buy one of these

[@BuddaBakes]

"The creator of basketball was just a PE teacher" Dr. James Naismith (NAY-smith; November 6, 1861 - November 28, 1939) was a Canadian-American[1] physical educator, physician, Christian chaplain, and sports coach, best known as the inventor of the game of basketball. -Wikepedia

[@average-osrs-enjoyer]

Your point being? They were correct in the video?

[@feras04]

Pretty much a PE teacher

[@ltzp2]

One big concern I have is that there really isn't a way to get this to perfectly replicate how an inflated ball bounces and withstands force. I gotta think if someone lands on this thing its gonna flatten out, and then where do they go from there. Do they have to call a timeout to fix it? would it even be fixable?

[@Saik0]

If someone lands on a basketball hard, could just break their back... this thing will likely just deform until it breaks. But the answer to your concern is that you just keep extras on hand.

[@leethetree264]

it will just pop back into shape. and should prob cushion someone falling lowkey

[@blablup1214]

I guess for matches they will just have multiple balls ready....

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@hufinnpuff3068]

There goes the three point line. Aerodynamic is big in long shots and passes.

[@SoFresh415]

Plot twist: it improves 3 point percentage instead

[@jaymaledic5730]

@@SoFresh415 They'd have to exert extra effort to throw it. No more logo shots.

[@omgvague]

Just shrink the holes on the inside to get the same effect as dimples on a golf ball. That would create air pressure allowing the ball to travel further with back spin.

[@locoattack1210]

I love videos where the main topic only gets brought up 60% of the way through the video.

[@jorgklatt396]

Man… this ball is so solving a non-problem 😅

[@jamirimaj6880]

Exactly. Where the referees are much bigger problem in basketball.

[@nekomekoplays]

I watched the whole video and I fucking laught so hard at the end at the "Go ahead and check out what happens when you disrespect Lebron" 🤣🤣🤣

[@BamaNinja227]

Thanks for liking my comment and great vid

[@MyRealDelusion]

there is absolutely no reason to mess with what we have

[@krish.p20]

i would love to use the ball but my question is that would the grip of the ball be the same as the normal ball like the one used today

[@SlavkoStorm]

Probably not, big holes are everywhere.

[@eisernfront8549]

NBA players: them ballz feels cheap and it gives me injuries. Ancient Mayan and Aztecs: hold my ancient ballz

[@EAZYDOESIT]

LIES THAT MAN AIN'T INVENT SHIT 😂😂😂😂😂

[@lakerfan2874]

I still play with a Spalding Peja Kings basketball from the 2000s. I don't really want to switch from it because I like the smoothness of the ball and the weight is heavy for good strength training on your shot and dribble moves. This plastic ball isn't too innovative since anyone with a 3D printer could make it, but of course, branding is gonna be the outlier here.

[@loadingshutup]

nah cus if you watch the original 3d printed basketball trailer, ur gon see that the ball is laser cut from some sort of sand object in a special very expensive 3d printer

[@biggooba6706]

lmao if you not a complete moron your know that the balls have technology in it to fake the games all mainstream sports are fake.

[@tomboysupremacist]

it's laser sintered, it's not like a normal FDM 3d printer

[@wangruochuan]

Somewhere in the 2003-2005 Spalding were making patent leather basketballs that the color were based on different teams. They looked great. But the outdoor uneven ground would destroy it them. Couple of my classmates had them. And they didnt last. lmao. They do look great tho.

[@Vincent_Preston]

7:19 is that McJuggernuggests brother? 🤣 bigbrudda

[@artfx9]

Put a drone inside it. LETS MAKE IT FUN!

[@LUNAR10k]

Never thought I’m gonna watch a video about balls to the end

[@noahcooley2003]

the sound of the ball bouncing won’t ever be the same get this spaceman ball outta here

[@nikushim6665]

@6:20 "Your probably familiar with 3d printing but their using a much different technology", not really PBF printers have been around a vary long time, It was one of the earliest systems used for "3D printing". 3D Systems came up with the concept along with the STL file format back in 87.

[@Alphoric]

There’s a reason leather has been used for thousands of years and still is used. Leather is also very grippy and is why you can get leather gloves

[@avettpatteson1265]

Good job! It took two thirds of the video to get to what the title talked about!

[@chah5001]

the ball looks so cool tho ngl

[@The_Queen_Chrysalis]

They could keep it airless, just have a hole at each of the intersecting lines, nothing too big, just enough that it can always maintain it's inside air, even maybe add internal core webbing to it to maintain it's shape so it never has a moment of being "lopsided"

[@meinardsl]

Is it NBA ready? Probably not. Outdoors pickup game? Sign me up.

[@TheN8ism]

I hate it when companies feel they need to “innovate” for the hell of it. It’s a recipe for disaster especially when it comes to something like a f-in ball

[@paullastnamehere3295]

Here is a thought. Make the circumference of the 3D printed ball smaller. Then wrap the ball in the same leather of the current ball to match the current dimensions. An even better thought would be to scrap the whole thing.

[@robertkb64]

That’s just Selective Laser Sintering, that 3d printing process has been around almost as long as 3d printing has been. You can even get desktop versions now for under $20k

[@walterengler5709]

What is amazing is how testing by others (outside spalding and the NBA) consistently showed the ball did get slippery when wet, and did not bounce as much, and was (due to poor manufacturing controls in my opinion) more varible in bouncing. Yet they kept trying to defend it even as they pulled it. And now the new ball lacks air. But it is a manufactured material. And that means, following all the basic laws of physics and thermodynamics and chemical engineering, it WILL change over time. How it bounces, how it feels, the materials will adjust. Take a paperclip, bend it back and forth and the metal weakens to the breaking point. Take a manufactured ball, smash it into the floor over and over and over, and the bonds in the material break down and weaken changing the performance. With an air inflated ball you can tweak the amount of air to compensate for the leather changing over time from use. With this ball that will not be possible. Which tells me exactly what will happen if they try to use it as a season goes on. Oh maybe they compensate by using the balls for one game and then donate them to charity and bring in a new set so always new and shiney. But it's not going to do well over time. And the hexagons on the ball .. players will get back to the finger complaints I can promise that. You need to reduce those hexagons by at least 40% in size (likely more) to avoid the pressure on cell membranes from long games where they are gripping the ball and the skin puckers into the hole.

[@ince55ant]

i get the feeling the disposible nature of the new ball is part of the design. if they made the perfect ball that could last 5 lifetimes, the company would go out of business in a year

[@walterengler5709]

@@ince55ant They say current high end balls that are well maintained can last about 12-18 months with two hours use per day. Cheap ones would wear out faster with the grip fading as the surface gets worn. But in the regular market for people, since they are not using the balls over and over daily like this they can easily get 5-10 years out of a good ball. My concern is they will last 1-2 years for the average consumer, by design, to boost sales.

[@donwinston]

Almost all of the complaints about the composite ball were bogus except maybe the "slippery when wet" issue.

[@duaneharper6095]

No. I used one I bought one. No. The ball was terrible and every time I took it to the hoop court it maybe only got used once.