The Muhlenberg men’s basketball team began their practices on Saturday, Oct. 15, the team will not only be adjusting to new personnel but they’ll also have to get used to using a different basketball. Although changing the ball does not seem like a big deal, it is something the team will definitely need time to adjust to.
Last year, the NBA made a similar move, switching all of their game balls from Spalding to Wilson. The players were not a fan of this switch and many of them voiced their issues with the new basketball, the Wilson Evolution. The NCAA is now also adopting the Wilson Evolution ball, which could result in many of the same issues seen in professional basketball.
“Feeling comfortable with the new ball is going to take time and reps”
Tommy McGuire ‘23
Although a few players did not think too much into the change of balls, Bobby Lewit ‘23 voiced his concerns on how the ball will affect his game. “If we switch to the Wilson Evolution the ball will become slippery five minutes into the game. Because of that, there’s going to be more turnovers and missed shots.” This is the same issue affecting many NBA players. Clippers star Paul George has mentioned how the ball has a different touch and softness than the Spalding basketball.
At Muhlenberg, players were comfortable with the previous Wilson basketball and never complained about the grip, touch, or moisture on the ball as the game went on. But now players like Lewit are starting to notice the difference, saying it feels bigger than before.
“Feeling comfortable with the new ball is going to take time and reps. I don’t believe it’s something we should use as an excuse, but it’s definitely going to take time,” said Tommy McGuire ‘23.
For now, the team will have no choice but to use the Wilson Evolution unless the NCAA decides to reverse its decision or switch to a different ball entirely.
