The Molten G-Series, the official basketball for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has been selected as the English Schools Basketball Association’s official ball for the next four years. In addition, Molten is also to be the title sponsor for the English Schools National Basketball Championships for under-16 and under-19 boys and girls from 2008 onwards.
Says Roger Moreland, chairman of the English Schools Basketball Association: “Molten basketballs are already a big hit in basketball and we are delighted to be able to welcome them as a key partner in the development of schools’ basketball. Young people will be well aware that Molten balls are approved by FIBA and that they are the official ball for both the Beijing and London Olympics. We are, therefore, delighted that Molten has agreed to become title sponsor to two of our age group national championships. We hope this will assist us in bringing the championships to a new level.”
Says Bob Hope, chairman of Molten Sports: “Molten is very pleased to establish this relationship with ESBBA, both as their official ball and as title sponsor in the lead-up to 2012. ESBBA now joins our elite list of official basketball endorsements, which include British Basketball League, British Basketball Federation, Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association and Mini-Basketball England.”
The Molten G-series is a unique 12-panel ball, as opposed to the traditional 8-panel ball, and was introduced in 2004. The additional seams afforded by the extra panels give players increased fingertip control and more accurate shooting and passing. Complex problems such as rebound speed have also been addressed in this design and the two-colour tones, of orange with cream panels that stretch around the ball, enhance visibility when playing.