Ah, March Madness. The time of year when the smell of sweat and anticipation fills the air, and college hoops fans and sports card collectors alike huddle together, eyes glued to nail-biting games. It’s the season where buzzer-beater thrillers aren’t just game-savvy plays, but the epic stuff dreams—and card market valuations—are made of. With the Sweet Sixteen now in full swing, there’s a confluence of young hoop stars not only boosting their NCAA draft stock but also creating ripples across collections and auctions. Here are the potential headliners who’re not just scoring on court but also elevating their worth in the world of sports memorabilia.
First off, the undeniable jewel in the NCAA crown, Cooper Flagg of Duke University. The “Anointed One” barely skims past the ground without gathering analytics, buzz, and an uptick in those seeking his cards. Cooper Flagg is everything fans had hoped for and more, as his talent unfolds and surges Duke further into March Madness. Standing tall at a formidable 6’8″, his dominance is as apparent as the sun at noon, distracting defenses and inspiring collectors to frantically tap ‘Buy It Now.’ Only recently did his 2024 Topps Chrome McDonald’s All-American Red Refractor Auto /5 PSA 10 reach an astounding $11,000. This was a neat $1,500 sneak over its preceding sale at $9,500 just days before. Flagg hasn’t even thrown a layup in an NBA game yet, but the world of collectibles has started pricing his cards at All-Star levels. A propitious sign of future hall of fame memorabilia, perhaps?
Now for a name that sent chills down the spines of challengers, Derik Queen from Maryland. With a defining buzzer-beater, Queen carved Maryland’s pathway into the Sweet Sixteen, and Topps commemorated this icy moment on a Bowman U Now card. Bending headlines back in November 2024, Queen immortalized a performance with a 22-point, 20-rebound phenomenon—his 1/1 Superfractor card fetched $599. Today, under the spotlight, his latest autographed card edition—with autos numbered to 10 and 5, alongside the coveted 1—invite avid collectors until March 30. Truly a treat fit for royalty.
Swiveling back to the court side, brace yourself for Kon Knueppel, another promising Duke talent. This freshman’s gameplay and shooting prowess might make you question why his name isn’t rifling through final draft projections. Knueppel’s explosive 25-point flamingo against Miami and his own Bowman U Now feature thrust him into the collector’s realm, netting a noteworthy $230. With another card lauding his ACC Tournament MVP credentials, Knueppel is on course for some serious cardboard gains.
Let’s glide over to Arizona, where Carter Bryant, standing tall at 6’8″, flashes impressive defensive skills and a natural fit for modern NBA basketball. Bryant’s card values linger modestly, but that isn’t expected to last, especially if he flays Duke with his Sweet Sixteen performance. His card prices, currently sitting like ducks with base Prizm Draft Picks going for a mere dollar, could take flight off the shelf, similar to his /25 auto which nabbed $49.99 and a Black Gold /5 at $102.50. One memorable play in the upcoming matchup might just be the catalyst.
Finally, we spotlight Isaiah Demonte Evans, another Duke freshman with simmering potential waiting to bolt out of the pack. Currently in the process of prepping for prime-time exposure, Evans, ranked No. 15 from last year’s recruiting class, although not yet lighting up the scoreboard, continues to garner curious eyes from collectors. Notable sales of his 2024 Topps McDonald’s All-American Drive-Thru Superfractor 1/1 flirted with the $200 mark, and his Jersey Patch Auto /5 captured $275. These figures stand poised for a springy bounce, should Evans seize the spotlight and reveal the breadth of his scoring ability.
As Sweet Sixteen fever intensifies, so does the buzz surrounding these ascending stars, generating a burst of enthusiasm in both NCAA circles and the card collecting community. It’s as if a perfect storm is brewing—combining national attention, NBA prospects, and a sizzling market. For those with an eye on the future stars of basketball, these fleeting moments hold immense potential—and perhaps profit, too—in getting ahead of the speculative curve. This very weekend might just be the golden ticket opportunity to catch a rising legend before official stardom ensues.
