Spalding unveils new official NBA basketball

The National Basketball Association today is unveiling an official new game ball made by the Spalding Group of Springfield at a New York ceremony where such hoop luminaries as the Celtics Paul Pierce are expected to be in attendance.

In use since 1970, the previous official ball was made of leather with an eight-panel design. The new design uses two interlocking, cross-shaped panels and a microfiber composite material for better "moisture management."

Using this "Cross Traxxion technology" results in a ball with "superior grip and feel," Spalding said.

"Spalding's continual efforts to advance basketball technology have yielded the optimal ball," Spalding Group president Scott Creelman said in a statement.
The ball is set to go on sale to the general public in late October at a suggested price of $99.99.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)