We’ve written, at some length, about the formative and transformative periods in the history of basketball cards. We all know the drill by now: star-studded 1961-62 Fleer gives way to, well, nothing for the better part of a decade. Topps redefines the hobby, first with its legendary 1969-70 set, then as the only game in town until early 1980s. Topps makes for the exit, again, … [Read more...]
1989-90 Hoops Basketball Set Brought Much Needed Competition
By 1989, basketball cards had been in the marketplace for some time. Some existed in the pre-war era through sets like the 1933 Goudey Sport Kings release. Their production really got underway with the creation of the 1948 Bowman issue and, subsequently, Topps sets, starting in the 1950s. Topps would produce sets for many years into the early 1980s and become the clear 'go to' … [Read more...]
Karl-Anthony Towns Has Collectors’ Attention
The players from the 2015 NBA Draft are surprising fans and card collectors as not only are there more with superstar potential than expected but they are producing at a high level already. Kristaps Porzingis, Devin Booker and Myles Turner are just some of the rookies who but Karl-Anthony Towns rookie cards may wind up as the best of this year’s class. While … [Read more...]
Notes: Abandoned Cards, Building Sold at Auction
Remember that old building in Michigan where dozens of pallets and boxes of abandoned sports cards were discovered? It’s been sold—contents included. While pictures and follow up stories by local media seemed to indicate there wasn’t a lot of valuable material, some local “entrepreneurs” who had been helping themselves apparently did find some stuff they were able to … [Read more...]
Ramblings: This Card is More Important Than You Think It Is
In reporting, sometimes the real story is buried well under the lead. When one looks back at sports cards in the rearview mirror, the original importance of some cards evolves to a whole new meaning. One of these cards which has gone through this type of evolution is the 1989 Hoops David Robinson. When this card was first released in packs, it seemed as is every customer … [Read more...]
A History of ‘Hoops’: From Jordan to James
by Darren Smythe Panini has brought the Hoops name back to NBA card collecting. It is one of their lower-cost products and can be an introduction to card collecting for children. That is how the original Hoops cards were sold, and there are many collectors today who would remember that their first pack of NBA cards was Hoops. After Fleer returned to making NBA cards in … [Read more...]
Upper Deck Launches First College Basketball Card Set
Hot on the heels of Duke’s thrilling 61-59 triumph over Butler in Monday night’s NCAA championship game, Upper Deck has announced the release of its first collegiate-focused sports trading card set: 2010 Greats of the Game Basketball. The set is the company's first under its new deal with Collegiate Licensing Company and features only players in college uniforms. “Our … [Read more...]