1Wilson Evolution indoor basketball
The Evolution is the indoor ball players love to get their hands on. Its soft microfibre cover grips well and the cushioned core makes it easy to control, which is why so many schools and leagues use it. It's the best-selling indoor game ball in the US.
Pros
- Soft feel, great grip.
- Easy to control.
- Best-selling indoor ball.
Cons
- Indoor only, so it wears fast on outdoor courts.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Wilson product page ↗
2Wilson NBA DRV Pro outdoor basketball
Street courts chew up indoor balls, so outdoor players need something tougher. The DRV Pro has a grippy Tackskin cover built for asphalt and NBA-style seams. It comes in sizes 6 and 7.
Pros
- Built for outdoor courts.
- Grippy cover.
- NBA-style seams.
Cons
- Firmer feel than an indoor ball.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Wilson product page ↗
3SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop XL
This over-the-door hoop turns a bedroom or office into a place to shoot. The larger 23 by 16 inch backboard, spring-action rim and included 5 inch ball make it feel more substantial than a toy hoop, while padded mounts help protect the door.
Pros
- Fits over a door without permanent fixings.
- Larger backboard than the standard Pro Mini Hoop.
- Includes a 5 inch basketball.
Cons
- The included ball needs a pump, which is not supplied.
- Indoor door hoops can still be noisy in shared rooms.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
SKLZ product page ↗
4The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons
Bill Simmons ranks the greatest players in NBA history in his famous Pyramid and settles arguments like Russell versus Chamberlain. It's long, opinionated and very funny, and it was a number one New York Times bestseller.
Pros
- Funny and opinionated.
- Ranks the all-time greats.
- Number one bestseller.
Cons
- Written in 2010, so recent stars are missing.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
ESPN Books product page ↗
5NBA Wilson basketball cushion
This round cushion looks like an official NBA Wilson game ball, with the orange panels, black seams and both logos. It's officially licensed, soft and plump enough to use on the sofa as well as for decoration. It's an easy, cheap present for a younger fan's bedroom.
Pros
- Officially licensed by the NBA and Wilson.
- Wipe clean.
- Inexpensive.
Cons
- Decorative rather than practical.
- Better suited to younger fans.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Amazon UK listing from Character World ↗
What to buy someone who loves basketball
Basketball fans who play care about the ball, so pick indoor or outdoor to match where they shoot. The best gifts for basketball fans include a good ball, a hoop for home and a great basketball book. A mini hoop suits any fan. Books suit fans who love the history.
How we picked these gifts for basketball fans
We picked each product for what basketball fans enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
