Gear up

Basketball and sneaker essentials

The basics for playing and for keeping your sneakers clean. Simple categories and real books, linked to an Amazon search; we never invent ratings.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy or book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. We do not invent reviews or ratings, and it never changes what we recommend. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

On the court

Search on AmazonAn indoor/outdoor basketballSize 7 is the men's standard; size 6 for women and youth 12+. Search on AmazonA ball pump with needlesCorrect pressure makes the ball bounce true.

Sneaker care

Search on AmazonA sneaker cleaning kitA gentle cleaner plus brushes handles most materials. Search on AmazonCedar shoe treesHold the shape and absorb moisture between wears. Search on AmazonCrease protectorsReduce toe-box creasing on leather sneakers.

Read

Search on AmazonEleven Rings by Phil JacksonThe coach of the Bulls and Lakers dynasties on leading teams.

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How we pick

We list well-known books and simple, widely sold product types that fit what we cover. We have not been paid to include anything, we do not publish ratings or reviews we have not done, and prices change, so always check the seller's page. Store and booking pages are run by those companies, not by us.

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