Ah, March Madness. The time of year when the college basketball world turns into a frenzied carnival of manic dribbling, nail-biting finishes, and potential NBA unicorns teasing their boundless talents. And while the teams seek to cut down nets, there’s another tournament happening off the hardwood—a feverish contest in the collector’s arena as fans scramble to snag the latest, hyped-up trading cards of the Sweet Sixteen’s most promising players. For both basketball aficionados and collectors, it’s a chance to spot future NBA royalty while picking winners to stash in vaults of memorabilia glory.
First up, there’s Cooper Flagg from Duke, the towering titan of talent and the guy your grandpa would build a time machine to watch. The whispers of his potential are louder than a pep rally. Flagg, a freshman sensation trailing a path of basketball destruction, is hypnotizing defenses and making collectors’ trigger fingers itch as they click “Buy It Now” without a second thought. Standing at 6’8″ with the skills to match the height, he’s a shoe-in for future headlines regardless of the post-collegiate path he blazes. His 2024 Topps Chrome McDonald’s All-American Red Refractor Auto /5 PSA 10 card recently flew off the racks for a humble $11,000. Just a couple of sunsets earlier, it was priced at $9,500. Cooper’s not just dribbling; he’s fast breaking his way to card game immortality—all before tossing up a single NBA jump shot.
Meanwhile, over in Maryland, Derik Queen is demonstrating how you become royalty with a basketball in hand. His coup de grâce? A buzzer-beater so chilled, it could garnish a cocktail. This shot of regal coolness propelled Maryland into the Sweet Sixteen, and Topps promptly immortalized the moment on their Bowman U Now card. Already a darling in the realm of collectible cards, with his November 2024 Bowman U Now showing off a beautiful 22-point, 20-rebound game, he’s been a constant newsreel in the hobby. The limited editions of his cards, numbered to 10, 5, and the “only a dream” 1, continue to rope in enthusiasts like bees to honey. With scarcity comes desire, and the window to own a piece of this monarch’s memorabilia will slam shut quickly.
Next, we loop back to another Duke prodigy, the enigmatically named Kon Knueppel, whose shoot-for-the-moon approach seems more fact than metaphor. A curtain-raiser in every sense, this freshman sniper quietly soars up draft boards, while his corresponding cards draft a nice tailwind. Notably, after torching Miami for 25 points, it’s safe to say he’s the arsonist on the loose. A Bowman U Now depiction of this feat was snapped up for $230—impressive change for a prospect eyeing a mid-to-late lottery pick. With additional accolades like his ACC Tournament MVP card gaining traction, Kon’s on a growth curve that’s as steep as his three-point shot’s arc.
Conversely, Arizona’s Carter Bryant is a sleeper hit waiting for his alarm clock. Towering at 6’8″ as well, his skill set pivots smoothly into the modern NBA mold with flashes of perimeter grandeur and poise. Despite this, his cards remain affordable treasures—for now. Facing Duke in the Sweet Sixteen could elevate his profile, potentially skyrocketing his cards’ values. Premium editions like his auto /25 are dabbling around the $49.99 mark, while rarities such as a Black Gold /5 recently fetched $102.50. Perform on a big stage against a formidable foe, and those numbers could undergo their own version of spring inflation.
And lastly in the Duke roster, Isaiah Demonte Evans, still awaiting his shining moment with the clock ticking and collectors’ eyes scanning cautiously. Rated No. 15 among last year’s recruits, his minutes have been limited—just seven against Baylor—but there’s more than enough intrigue when it comes to his cards. A Topps McDonald’s All-American Drive-Thru Superfractor 1/1 found a home at just under $200, complemented by a Jersey Patch Auto /5 that reached $275. Not jaw-dropping sums, but given minutes and an opportunity to unleash his scoring arsenal, who knows?
As Sweet Sixteen festivities rush forward, so does the market commotion circling these ascendant stars. It’s the perfect confluence—national focus, steep NBA potential, and collectors clamoring for what’s likely the nearest thing to future nostalgia. If ever there was a perfect storm for basketball enthusiasts, this may be it. An opportune moment to snag the next big name before they are lining up across NBA hardwoods. So lock eyes on the court and perhaps find an investment that outlasts your March Madness brackets.
