PSA/DNA Authentication - Signed Basketball

rmh111985

Hey guys, just looking to get some insight on the PSA/DNA authentication process. I have a basketball I'd like to get authenticated, and below is the story on the ball and some pictures.

I attended St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia from 2004-2009, and during the 05/06 season my roommates and I got the "Palestra Package" for basketball games, which guaranteed us tickets to all City 6 (at the time) matchups. During the spring, we went to the SJU-Villanova game, where I was chosen to participate in the halftime shot competition. In their minds, there was no way a drunk, scrawny college kid like me was going to hit a layup, free throw and 3 pointer in under 30 seconds. Not only did I do it, but so did the kid chosen from Villanova. The prize? A basketball signed by all City 6 coaches. As they didn't expect either of us to hit the shots, they didn't have them on hand. Finally, 6 months later, this showed up at my door:



Only 5 signed, but they include the key names from the City 6. Included on the ball are Phil Martelli (SJU), Jay Wright (Nova) John Chaney (Temple, HOF inscription), Fran Dunphy (U of P) and John Giannini (La Salle). Missing is Bruiser Flint from Drexel.

My question is, what is the best way to go about authenticating this? I have no intentions of selling anytime soon, but want to have a COA to display along with it. I have a growing collection of SJU memorabilia, and this would be one of the centerpieces. Is it better to send in to PSA, or wait until a local show? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Ironmanfan

PSA always attends the Philly Show, which is held four times a year in Valley Forge.....As an aside, I'm not sure it really needs authentication as the provenance you outlined is pretty strong.....Perhaps just your story on how it was obtained is all you need.
IMF

Arsenal83

Awesome ball. Have you thought about getting Bruiser to sign it?

rmh111985

I haven't thought about it, not even sure how to go about looking into that. My local shops don't usually bring in coaches form any sports for their signings, let alone college basketball.

Arsenal83

He's apparently an assistant at Indiana. Either catch him at a game when they play close to you or contact him through the school and explain to him what you have and see if he'd be willing to sign it. It's such a sweet ball and only one signature away from being complete.

rmh111985

Thanks for the info Arsenal, I will definitely look into that!

Arsenal83

Keep us updated and good luck.

rtimmer

Do you think the signatures are fake? If not I don't think I'd get the ball authenticated the value is probably the same either way.

bounce

@rtimmer said:
Do you think the signatures are fake? If not I don't think I'd get the ball authenticated the value is probably the same either way.

Agree with this. If you want it authenticated, try and find a “friend” who gets authentication done with then frequently, will cost less for you that way. Otherwise they may hit you by the signature.

georgebailey2

The Big 5 is a more well known term than the City 6. I wouldn't worry about getting the Drexel autograph as the ball has "The Big 5".

rmh111985

@rtimmer said:
Do you think the signatures are fake? If not I don't think I'd get the ball authenticated the value is probably the same either way.

I dont think they're fake, I just like having a certificate with my memorabilia. Just one of my quirks.

rmh111985

@georgebailey2 said:
The Big 5 is a more well known term than the City 6. I wouldn't worry about getting the Drexel autograph as the ball has "The Big 5".

True, and this probably is how it was explained at the time. I may have had the City 6 in my head because of the ticket package offered at SJU.