I'm not 100% sure if this is true or not, but i heard that the size of the ball in the olympics is much smaller than the NBA regulation ball. If this is true this could be one of the reasons Team USA is having problems with shooting the ball. Just think about the shaq complex he has problems shooting the ball because his hand are too big.
Here's a link to the differences in rules between NCAA, NBA and FIBA, including the size of the basketballs. http://www.usabasketball.com/rules/rules.html
I don't think there is ANY difference for the male players - they all use a size 7 (I think) basketball - but the WNBA plays with a size 6, whereas international womens basketball plays with a size 7 [the sizes could be one higher than they ought to be] The point is, its always been the same size basketball for the men - the US guys just can't shoot...
Size of Basketball Maximum Circumference FIBA - 78 cm (30.7") Around channels NBA - Around channels 29 1/2" to 29 3/4" Across channels, 29 5/8" to 29 7/8" NCAA - Maximum Circumference 30" Seams 1/4" Max. Notice these are Maxes, no mention of minimums. I doubt our TEAM USA even noticed any difference. None of them except Duncan have a high enough Basketball IQ to even notice.
Stop looking for more excuse for the USA team ... they havn't played long enough, the 3-pt line is to short, now is MAYBE THE BALL is not the SAME????? but the USA TEAM in the past had no PROBLEM scoring 110+ pts per game. JUST ADMIT IT USA BASKETBALL is not as goood and the WORLD is playing BETTER TEAM BALL. We play Germany "watch out for Dirk" we play Spain " watch out for Gasol" we play Argentina is "watch out for Manu" but we have ALL NBA players when other country have maybe only 1 or 2.
The size of the balls on the american ball players are so god damn small. Atleast I know their heart is.
