Basketball is more than a game... it’s a lifestyle. For Trey Howard, this truth became clear during his sophomore year at East Carolina University. Surrounded by courts filled with players sporting the latest shoes, outfits, and accessories, he noticed something: the basketball itself hadn’t evolved in over six decades.
With a burning desire to redefine the game, Trey set out to create the world’s first designer basketball! A ball that reflects style, culture, and inspiration. Years of prototypes, research, and collaboration later, Tr3yball was born.
Tr3yball combines deliberate, inspired, and meaningful design with purpose: a percentage of every ball sold goes toward helping BIPOC college students achieve their dreams.
Trey Howard | CEO & Visionary
Trey’s journey is extraordinary. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from high school with a 4.52 GPA and an associate degree, Trey balanced academics, basketball, track, and two jobs, all before starting college. Inspired by changemakers like Jaden Smith, Phora, and Demetrius Harmon, Trey believes basketball can be more than just a game; it can be a platform for change.
“My friends and I pull up in our best outfits, we look good, we play good. I felt it was time for the basketball to be part of that equation,” says Trey.

Tr3yball is about more than just a designer ball, it’s about impact and opportunity. A portion of each sale will fund the Tr3yball Scholarship, helping BIPOC college students pursue their entrepreneurial and educational dreams.
Trey believes that the greatest contribution Tr3yball can make is lifting up the next generation.
Bringing Tr3yball to life required world-class design, which is exactly why Trey partnered with 9B Collective, founded by designers Phillip Boutté Jr., Mike Uwandi, and actor Aldis Hodge. Known for shaping Marvel, Sony, and Lucasfilm projects, 9B Collective shares Tr3yball’s commitment to deliberate, inspired, and meaningful design.
“Working with creative geniuses who bring magic to every project has been surreal,” Trey reflects. “They helped transform my vision into a product that resonates with basketball enthusiasts everywhere.”

Before launching Tr3yball nationally, Trey and his best friend Quan Brown immersed themselves in the world of professional basketball through an 88-day NBA arena tour. Driving over 23,000 miles in their electric Volkswagen ID.4, the duo visited all 30 NBA arenas, documenting their journey as the @GapYearGuys on TikTok.
From courtside excitement to the quirkiest concessions, behind-the-scenes access to players and management, and even engaging with NBA superfans and befriending Mascots... they left no stone unturned. Their mission? Learn the game inside and out, while inspiring fans, adventurers, and future changemakers.

After years of research and prototypes, Tr3yball is on a mission to launch the first U.S.-based basketball manufacturing facility in Detroit. The goal? Bring another industry home and revolutionize the game with locally made, high-quality designer basketballs.
Stay Tuned... Thoughts Become Things.
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