Is an “Official Size Varsity Basketball” the same size and style as any other basketball?”
Basketball sizes vary, based on who the primary player is. The official varsity size of the Spalding NBA ball on Amazon for $8.83 (http://www.amazon.com/Spalding-Div-Of-Russell-Corp/dp/B000059TEF), is 29.5″ circumference (size 7), the same size they use in the NBA. Junior balls (or size 5) are 27.75″, while women’s basketballs are 28.5″ (size 6). For playing outside you should look for an indoor/outdoor ball, made of rubber or composite leather. The ball I linked to is rubber and has pebbling, which should give the tread he’d like. Rubber tends to be stickier or tackier than leather, which is a personal taste. If you’re hesitant about buying a basketball online sight unseen, Wal-Mart, Target and other large retailers should carry similar ones so check it out – but Target.com shows a price of $17.99 for a similar rubber Spaulding ball, and composite leather balls will run a little more expensive. If cost is a concern, consider comparing typ
