Gear Up Like a Professional Basketball Player

The pick and roll; blocking out; full court press; if these words signify more than just barroom tactics, chances are you're a basketball fan. But before you dunk like Kobe or drive like T-Mac, you have to outfit yourself with the right basketball equipment, because in basketball-as in anything else-you have to dress for success.

Basketball is a sport of fundamentals, so it's hardly surprising that basketball's equipment cuts out a short list. But basketball is also a deceptively simple sport, so it stands to reason that the equipment plays by the same rules. Here's the must-have equipment for today's baller:

Without a doubt, the first piece of basketball equipment you need is shoes. There is positively no tip-toeing around this equipment necessity. And not just any shoes; you need basketball shoes, because if you want to play like the stars, you have to be able to jump to the skies. But what is it that makes basketball shoes an essential piece of basketball equipment? Excellent question; to which answers abound: The cool designs? The blinking lights? The fact that the word basketball is in the name? No, no, no. Ankle support is why basketball shoes are an indispensable mark of proper equipment, because if you expect to be juking and swooping, you better expect your equipment to include basketball shoes that grant you sufficient sport support.

But which basketball kicks should you buy? The answer to that question depends on how much you're willing to shill out for equipment-shoe prices can most certainly be above the rim. But if you're an expenses-be-hanged and throw-caution-to-the-wind sort of fan, it behooves you to know that basketball's Superstars each have their own top-of-the-line basketball shoe, complete with their name conspicuously branded on every side. My suggestion: Pick the player you most want to emulate; then pick the equipment slathered with his or her name. This credo rings true with jerseys as well-another equipment must-have for the basketball court. The logic being: If you can aptly disguise yourself-through equipment-like a basketball Superstar, perhaps other players will be confused and pass you the ball.

But before you tire of attire, the grand finale and absolute must of basketball's equipment is the basketball, itself. You won't be draining buckets or dropping in threes without a basketball. And a good one-as is true with all sporting equipment-will cost you more than just a drop in the bucket ($60-$90). Trust me: A good basketball is worth the investment. Get a genuine leather ball with the proper grip to handle your handles, and take care to see that it's of official NBA size and weight, because if you waltz onto the court with a little kid's basketball, chances are you'll be sent home crying to your mommy. Remember: Equipment matters-especially in an equipment-sparse sport like basketball.

The only other piece to basketball's equipment-puzzle is a healthy swagger and a mouth full of trash-talk. So, suit-up; lace-up; pump-up; and give 'em hell. And for god's sake, don't break anything.