New Spalding NBA Official Game Basketball

If you haven't heard, the NBA has announced a new game ball that will be used beginning in the 2006-07 season. This is the first time they've changed balls in over 35 years and only the second time in 60 seasons. So it's kind of a big deal. The New Spalding NBA Official Game Basketball ($100; Oct.) features Cross Traxxion technology, which combines a microfiber composite covering and two interlocking, cross-shaped panels (rather than the eight oblong ones) for better grip and feel than the current leather ball.