The basketball used in college hoops gives home team advantage without deflation Posted Jan 22, 2015 The ball that is used during a college basketball game matters. Some feel heavier than others. Some have stronger grip — to the point they almost feel sticky — while others can get slippery once they get sweat on them. Wilsons feel soft in your hand. Spaldings and The Rocks can feel hard. This may not matter for 6-foot-11 dudes that can palm a medicine ball, but for shooters and ball-handlers, it makes a huge difference, even if it’s just in their head. (NBC Sports)