Ah, March Madness—the time of year when the world of college basketball captures our attention and clutch performances become legendary. Fans everywhere can’t get enough of the buzzer-beating drama, while scouts hover like stealthy drones, zooming in on potential future NBA stars. But there’s another group eagerly hanging on every dunk and 3-pointer—the collectors. Yes, the Sweet Sixteen isn’t just about showcasing skills on the hardwood; it’s a grand stage for players to skyrocket their draft stock and, perhaps even more lucratively, their cardboard market value.
First among the notables is Duke’s Cooper Flagg. Now, what hasn’t been said about this 6’8″ human highlight reel? Flagg didn’t just meet the high expectations—he’s obliterating them, leaving trails of scorched defenses in his wake. The buzz around this freshman phenom is deafening, and it’s not just the hype; it’s his collector cards flying off virtual shelves faster than you can say “buy it now.”
Flagg’s future No. 1 draft pick status has morphed his cards into treasures, with a 2024 Topps Chrome McDonald’s All-American Red Refractor Auto /5 PSA 10 recently fetching a whopping $11,000. Just days before, that same slice of cardboard magic was “mere” $9,500. No NBA minutes logged yet, but hey, it’s Cooper Flagg. His card stock is priced like solid gold and rightfully so.
Then there’s Derik Queen of Maryland, who has instantly cemented his place in Sweet Sixteen lore with a singular, clutch buzzer-beater. A shot heard ‘round campuses, the moment has already been immortalized by Topps on a Bowman U Now card. Queen’s not new to making waves and turning heads in the hobby sphere. A past Bowman U Now card celebrating his monstrous 22-point, 20-rebound game saw its 1/1 Superfractor scooped up for $599. Now, amidst this limelight, his fresh card release features autographs numbered to 10, 5, and, for those who love a real chase, a coveted 1. Time to make that tough decision or risk regret.
Meanwhile, a name causing announcers caution but card investors interest is Kon Knueppel, also from Duke. As much as you might stumble over it, you better recognize a rising star when you see one. A quiet yet steady climber on draft boards, Kon’s court antics—like his recent 25-point torpedoing of Miami—are raising his—and his cards’—profiles. His Bowman U Now card even went for $230, a respectable sum for someone barely in the mid-to-late lottery discussions. No resting on laurels here, Kon’s accolades include an ACC Tournament MVP, earning him a separate card of distinction.
Let’s not forget Carter Bryant over at Arizona. Dynasty league enthusiasts are salivating at his potential to become a solid two-way player in the modern NBA. A tantalizing talent standing at 6’8″ with keen defensive acumen and shooting finesse—ingredients for a promising professional career. Yet, his cards linger in the bargain territory, at least for now. But an upcoming duel against Duke might just ignite his market push, with baseline Prizm Draft Picks available for merely a buck, while his more exclusive renditions creeping upwards past the half-century mark.
Finally, Isaiah Demonte Evans, also of Duke heritage, embodies that tantalizing enigma collectors love to gamble on. The No. 15 ranked recruit has yet to make his emphatic mark, spotted for sparse minutes amid the tournament chaos. Yet, enthusiasts sense latent potential—his specialty Superfractor 1/1 traded just shy of $200, and a Jersey Patch Auto /5 grasped $275. Modest numbers, yes, but hey, invest before those defining moments amass headlines.
The calendar marks Sweet Sixteen, but really, it’s open season on spotting the next diamond destined to shine. The frenzy surrounding these budding athletes is electrified by their court theatrics, en route to professional glory. Their cardboard counterparts grow in allure, pathways of possibilities spiraling upwards.
As you prepare your bracket and brace for another exhilarating stretch of March Madness, keep a sharp eye trained on the emerging prowess and equally emerging market climbs of these collegiate athletes. Their skill showcase could quickly translate to a significant return on your cardboard curiosity. For collectors and fans alike, this is where the magic happens, and history is made—one jump shot, one card at a time.
