The annual spectacle of college basketball known as March Madness is like Christmas for hoops fans—except it comes with the added bonus of unpredictability, jaw-dropping performances, and a buzz in the air that’s simply irresistible. While teams battle it out on the hardwood for their shot at Sweet Sixteen glory, something else is happening concurrently off the court: a furor among trading card enthusiasts. As players rise, so does their stock—literally—meaning basketball isn’t the only game being played.
The frenzy this year is electric, chiefly due to the exhilarating performances by basketball’s freshest faces—young athletes who are not only giving fans something to root for but are also inflating their trading card values at a rate that’s hard to keep pace with. Think NFT market crashes except in reverse—and less volatile! So, sit back as we explore who’s making waves not just in the paint but also in the cardboard market.
The buzz is real, and at the eye of the storm is Cooper Flagg, a prodigious talent from Duke University. Flagg has made leaps and bounds that seem written by the basketball gods themselves, as the expected (and indeed anointed) No. 1 pick in the NBA draft continues to bewitch opponents and fans alike. On March 25, his 2024 Topps Chrome McDonald’s All-American Red Refractor Auto /5 PSA 10 sold for an eye-watering $11,000, a notable jump from its $9,500 value just two days prior. His cards are already fetching a pretty penny, akin to those of bona fide NBA All-Stars, despite him not having dribbled on an NBA court yet.
But Flagg isn’t the sole trailblazer this season. Derik Queen has also carved his path from obscurity into the limelight. A single buzzer-beater was enough to propel Maryland into the Sweet Sixteen, solidifying Queen’s spot in the card collectors’ hall of fame when Topps issued a card celebrating the moment. Queen had already been under the industry spotlight with cards like his 1/1 Superfractor—a shoutout to a monstrous 22-point, 20-rebound night—soaring at $599. His newest card release, boasting autos numbered to 10, 5, and elusive 1, is yet another indicator of his growing clout.
On the other side of the court, Kon Knueppel, a name that might cause a stumble in pronunciation but not in his game, presents a similar narrative. This Duke University freshman displayed his mettle by torching Miami with a 25-point performance. Take note of his Bowman U Now card, which has already set collectors back $230. Knueppel’s star is yet another ascending at the Sweet Sixteen company of future NBA greats.
But let’s not forget about Carter Bryant from Arizona. This 6’8″ dynamo, built for the modern-day NBA, stands poised on the brink of discovery. While his cards may not command as lavish a sum yet, with base Prizm Draft Picks floating around a humble dollar, a standout performance against Duke could fast be the investment of champions. The ceiling seems sky-high for Bryant, especially if a 20+ point game materializes.
Amidst these towering talents, Isaiah Demonte Evans from Duke is a charming mystery. Only ranked 15th in last year’s recruitment, and having a tiny seven minutes of play against Baylor to his name, his cards are creating a subtle stir in the collectors’ market. A 2024 Topps McDonald’s All-American Drive-Thru Superfractor 1/1 recently sold just shy of $200, whereas a Jersey Patch Auto /5 reached $275. Should Evans’ tenacity translate into significant playtime and real breakout moments, those underestimated values could change on a dime.
As we march through March Madness, the confluence of human skill, suspenseful contests, and an invigorated card market is crafting a trading card saga just as riveting as the games themselves. From Flagg’s enthralling plays to Queen’s sharpshooting and the potential surprise from Bryant and Evans, this year’s Sweet Sixteen is a real gem for both basketball aficionados and card collectors. Whether you’re clutching a basketball or a trading card, the action isn’t slowing down, and who knows, you might catch the wind under a star not long before the rest of the world catches up.
