Andrew Pace
Basketballs are widely associated with the colour orange. However, some people, like New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, believe that the colour is better described as brown. This is because, according to Robinson, the basketball gets dirty due to a lack of hygiene. The colour of basketballs has been a topic of discussion among fans, with some claiming that new basketballs appear more or less orange, while others question why the balls are orange in the first place. The orange colour was introduced in the 1950s due to visibility issues with other colours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Orange, Oatmeal |
| Other Colours Tried | Black and Orange, Light Blue |
| Reason for Colour Choice | Visibility |
| Other Colours | Synthetic basketballs are bright orange, the ABA used red, white, and blue basketballs |
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What You'll Learn
Basketballs were originally red, white, and blue
The change to an orange ball was prompted by a rule change in the 1950s. Before this, basketball games featured a variety of ball colours, with red, white, and blue balls being commonly used. However, as the game gained popularity and was played on different court colours and in varying light conditions, it became apparent that not all ball colours were easily visible.
Fans of the sport noticed that certain court paint colours made the ball difficult to see, prompting complaints and eventually leading to the adoption of the orange ball. League executives tested 12 different colours before settling on orange and oatmeal, with black-and-orange and light blue among the colours considered. The chosen colours were intended to improve ball visibility, as Tom O'Grady, the former NBA creative director, explained: "We picked the oatmeal and orange one because you could see the rotation of the shot."
Despite the standardisation on orange, red, white, and blue balls have made a resurgence in modern times. During special events in the NBA, such as the Three-Point Contest during All-Star Weekends, red, white, and blue balls are used as the "money ball." This colourful variation adds excitement to the game and pays homage to the sport's early days.
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The orange colour was introduced to improve visibility
The colour of basketballs has been a topic of discussion among fans and players of the sport. While some describe the colour as orange, others perceive it as brown. The colour of basketballs is, in fact, influenced by a variety of factors, including the lighting and surface of the court, the material and age of the ball, and even hygiene, as pointed out by New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson.
The introduction of orange-coloured basketballs can be traced back to a rule change in the 1950s. During that time, teams began using specially designed courts with distinct paintworks for tournament games. The original colour of basketballs was difficult to see against certain court designs, prompting complaints from fans and players alike. As a result, league executives embarked on a quest for a new colour that would enhance the visibility of the ball during gameplay.
Twelve colours were tested, including black-and-orange and light blue, before settling on the combination of orange and oatmeal. Tom O'Grady, the former NBA creative director, provided insight into their decision-making process, stating, "We picked the oatmeal and orange one because you could see the rotation of the shot." This colour combination proved to be a successful choice, as it improved the visibility of the ball for both players and viewers, especially with the growing popularity of watching sports on television.
The orange and oatmeal design was first introduced during the 1958 NCAA Finals in Louisville, Kentucky, marking a significant moment in the evolution of basketball. The new colour scheme quickly gained traction, and by the time the ABA (American Basketball Association) merged with the NBA in 1976, the orange ball had become a trademark for the league. Today, the orange basketball remains an iconic symbol of the sport, easily recognised by fans and players worldwide.
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Over time, basketballs can appear darker due to use and dirt
Basketballs are typically orange, though some people perceive them as brown. This perception may be influenced by the natural wear and tear of the ball over time, as well as factors like dirt and bacteria.
When a basketball is brand new, it may appear brighter and more vibrant in colour. However, as it is used and exposed to dirt, sweat, and other elements, the ball's appearance can change. This is supported by observations from basketball players and enthusiasts who have noted that basketballs tend to get darker with use. The accumulation of dirt and bacteria can affect the ball's colour, giving it a brownish tint.
The change in colour is not just a result of dirt but also a result of the breaking-in process. As the ball is used, its surface may become slightly worn, creating a different texture and appearance. This can alter the way light reflects off the ball, making it appear darker or more matte in colour. Additionally, the ball's material can impact its colour perception. Synthetic leather basketballs, for example, tend to be brighter in colour compared to genuine leather balls.
The change in colour due to use and dirt is not just a cosmetic issue. In the NBA, when a basketball becomes too brown or too dark, it is sent back to the manufacturer to be reconditioned or recoloured. This ensures that the ball remains visible and playable, as a heavily discoloured ball can be difficult to see during games, especially under certain lighting conditions or against specific court paint colours.
While the change in colour over time is expected and even considered normal by some, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and care for basketballs. Cleaning and maintaining the ball can help slow down the discolouration process and ensure the ball remains in good condition for longer. Additionally, proper maintenance can help address hygiene concerns, such as the accumulation of dirt and bacteria, which can not only affect the ball's appearance but also its grip and performance.
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Some basketballs are brown or multicoloured
Basketballs are typically associated with the colour orange. This dates back to a rule change in the 1950s, when orange basketballs were introduced during the 1958 NCAA Finals in Louisville, Kentucky. However, it's important to note that the colour of basketballs can vary, and they may appear brown or multicoloured.
Some basketball enthusiasts have noted that brand new basketballs can look more brown than orange. This observation may be due to the type of material used in the ball's construction. For example, synthetic leather basketballs tend to have a brighter orange hue compared to leather balls, which may lean towards a darker, more brownish shade.
The colour of a basketball can also be influenced by factors such as lighting, camera angles, and even hygiene. New York Knicks centre Mitchell Robinson famously described the basketballs used in the NBA as brown rather than orange. He attributed this to the accumulation of dirt and bacteria on the balls, suggesting that the colour is not solely determined by its original hue.
It's worth mentioning that basketballs used in tournaments or special events may deviate from the standard orange colour. For instance, the ABA (American Basketball Association) used red, white, and blue basketballs before merging with the NBA in 1976. During special events, such as the Three-Point Contest during All-Star Weekends, the NBA still uses these colourful balls. Additionally, the WNBA, which launched in 1996, features basketballs with orange and oatmeal paint, providing a unique style compared to the NBA.
In summary, while the colour orange is strongly associated with basketball due to historical reasons and its widespread use, it is not uncommon to find basketballs in shades of brown or featuring multiple colours. These variations may arise from differences in materials, lighting, personal perceptions, and the specific requirements of different basketball leagues and events.
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Basketballs are still sometimes red, white, and blue during special events
Basketballs are typically orange, but this hasn't always been the case. The colour of basketballs has been a topic of discussion among fans, with some noting that brand new balls appear brighter or more orange than those used in professional games.
The standard orange colour of basketballs dates back to a rule change in the 1950s. Before this, basketballs could be various colours, including red, white, and blue.
The American Basketball Association (ABA), which lasted from 1967 to 1976, used red, white, and blue basketballs. These balls were slippery, which some attributed to their newness rather than their colour. The ABA merged with the NBA in 1977, and while some traditions carried over, such as the 3-point line and the dunk contest, the colourful basketballs did not.
However, during special events like the All-Star Game, red, white, and blue basketballs have made a reappearance as a nod to the ABA's legacy and to add a touch of nostalgia to the game. These balls are often used in the 3-point contest, adding a unique challenge for participants.
Today, while the standard NBA game ball is orange, basketballs can still be found in various colours, including red, white, and blue, during special events or for novelty purchases, reminding fans of the sport's history and evolution.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketballs are orange.
Orange basketballs were chosen over 11 other colours because the rotation of the ball was visible on TV, which is a medium used by the majority of viewers of the sport.
While the widespread association of basketballs is with the colour orange, New York Knicks centre Mitchell Robinson believes that the colour is better described as brown due to the dirt and bacteria on the balls.
No, the ABA (American Basketball Association) used red, white and blue basketballs until they merged with the NBA in 1976. The WNBA also has orange and oatmeal paint on their basketballs.
No, the introduction of the In-Season Tournament during the 2023-24 NBA season has caused visibility issues with the orange basketballs.
