The key to Wisconsin's home record

If you have played basketball on any level, than you know that not every ball is made the same.

The Rock has the most grip, to the point that it is almost sticky, and seems to be a bit lighter than other balls. Wilson (the Wilson Solution is the official NCAA ball) are softer, have deep seems, and feel small in your hand. The Spalding Top-Flite's feel heavier in your hands.

The NCAA allows the use of seven different balls, and while each may feel a little different to each player, I can guarantee that each player as a particular preference.

And I can also guarantee that each player gets used to the ball that his team uses.

As former Notre Dame forward Zach Hillesland tells us, in addition to the throng of screaming fans and the issues with travel, what ball is used by the home team can provide just as big of a home court advantage:

This may come as a surprise, but throughout the course of the college basketball season, players could wind up playing with seven different brands of basketballs. Yes, that’s seven — Nike, Wilson, Adidas, The Rock, Spalding, Baden and Sterling. With that being said, the only way you’ll run into the Sterling ball is if you have to play Wisconsin at Wisconsin.

Did you do a double take at that last line?

Bo Ryan has won 135 of the 146 games played in Madison since he took over the Wisconsin program.

I wonder if the ball has anything to do with it?

Anyway, Hillesland's article is definitely worth the read.