MISSION ACCOMPLISHED The Spalding World Record Court was the backdrop of a rewritten chapter in basketball history at the 2006 edition of the NBA All-Star Jam Session this past weekend. The star of the show on that court was Spalding's NEVER FLAT basketball. Joseph Odhiambo, who achieved celebrity status dribbling a world record 26 1/2 continuous hours with the Spalding NEVER FLAT basketball, earned his second Guinness World record in three days. After his crowning dribbling achievement, Odhiambo spun the NEVER FLAT ball on his finger for a continuous four hours and 15 minutes shattering the previous mark (three hours, 59 minutes) by 16 minutes. Odhiambo shared the world record stage with shooting specialist Dave Hopla, who hit 20 trays in one minute for a new Guinness World Record. Boston Celtics star and Spalding endorser Paul Pierce netted 19 three-pointers to tie the previous World Record in a special appearance at Spalding's court at Jam Session.

HOUSTON, Feb. 15, 2006 – Spalding and the NBA are teaming up during NBA All-Star 2006 to set four Guinness World Records, including the longest time dribbling a basketball – a record that would become official after passing the 24 hour mark. Additional records for most free throws made in one minute, most three point shots made in one minute, and the longest time spinning a basketball on one finger will also be attempted during the 2006 NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by NOKIA, Feb.16-20, at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center. A representative from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand at Jam Session to authenticate any records that are broken.

A line-up of internationally renowned basketball entertainers will be on hand to attempt all four Guinness records using Spalding’s NEVER FLAT basketball – the number one ball in the sporting goods basketball market today – which stays inflated 10 times longer than traditional basketballs and is guaranteed by Spalding to stay fully inflated for one year. Fans attending Jam Session can try their luck at breaking the records on the Spalding NEVER FLAT World Record Challenge Court and learn some tips and tricks on shooting, spinning and dribbling from the experts.

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m., Joseph Odhiambo, a renowned basketball handler, will begin his attempt to dribble a basketball for more than 24 hours. His quest will begin at the Spalding NEVER FLAT Court on the floor of Jam Session. He will travel through the show floor and then outside to greet fans, before walking across the street to the Hilton Americas Hotel and the Toyota Center, all while continuing to dribble the NEVER FLAT basketball. He will dribble through the night until he breaks the record the following afternoon back on the Spalding Court at Jam Session.

“The marketing of Spalding’s NEVER FLAT has been focused on exciting basketball events that showcase sustained performance under pressure,” stated Dan Touhey, vice president of marketing, Spalding.

Joining Odhiambo at the Spalding Court will be Dave Hopla, who has been recognized as one of the premier shooters in the world, and Michael “Wild Thing” Wilson, Guinness World Record holder for the vertical slam dunk (12 feet) and sharp shooter. They will attempt to break the Guinness records for most basketball free throws in one minute – a record that currently stands at 48; the most basketball three point shots made in one minute – a record that currently stands at 19; and the longest time spinning a basketball on one finger – a record that currently stands at 3 hours, 59 minutes.

Spalding will also partner with the NBA and the City of Houston on Saturday, Feb.11 for the 2006 NBA Jam Session Tip Off event being hosted by Houston Mayor Bill White at Root Park at 10a.m. Fans will have a chance to break the shooting and spinning records on the Spalding Court and be able to participate in many interactive NBA activities. Spalding also will donate over 200 balls to 10 Houston area schools in attendance as part of NBA Cares, in addition to giving away NEVER FLAT balls to Spalding Court participants.

A full line-up of Spalding merchandise, including the NEVER FLAT ball, will be available for purchase at the NBA Store inside the 2006 NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by NOKIA, as well as within Houston’s Toyota Center.

About NBA All-Star 2006
NBA All-Star 2006 in Houston will feature a week of activities that will showcase the greatest athletes in the world playing basketball at the highest level on an international stage and will display the league’s deep commitment to its community through the NBA Cares initiative. During the week, the NBA will conduct various interactive fan events such as the NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Nokia, an interactive basketball theme park for fans of all ages taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center, which features a 12,000 sq. ft. NBA Store offering more than 1,000 NBA products to fans, including authentic All-Star jerseys, t-shirts, hats, footwear, basketballs and more. The week will culminate with the 2006 NBA All-Star Game, which features the top players from the Eastern and Western conferences going head to head. The Game will be televised on TNT on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. (ET).

About Spalding
As a Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of three business units: Spalding in Springfield, MA; American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) in Jefferson, IA; and Huffy Sports, in Sussex, WI. The three companies, collectively combined, are now the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour, the official soccer ball of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and the official football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner. For more information, visit www.spalding.com.