Ah, March Madness! That magical time of year when college basketball consumes our every thought, and national productivity faces a swift decline. The Sweet Sixteen stage is set, and with it comes a frenzied wave of expectations, excitement, and jaw-dropping moments that have both scouts and collectors on high alert. It’s the time when buzzer-beaters could define careers and card values could fluctuate with each game-winning shot. So, who are the young prospects making the biggest waves both on the hardwood and in the cardboard market? Let’s dive into the latest buzzworthy names of the Sweet Sixteen.
For those keeping an eye on the promising future of basketball, Cooper Flagg from Duke University is the name they can’t ignore. This 6’8″ freshman phenom is making the expected headlines and living up to the hype by leading his team with stellar performances. But Flagg is not only scoring points for Duke; he’s also slam-dunking his way into the hearts of collectors. The worth of his cards has skyrocketed, rivalling even the collectibles of current NBA All-Stars. As one of the hottest prospects, Flagg’s 2024 Topps Chrome McDonald’s All-American Red Refractor Auto /5 PSA 10 card recently reached an astonishing $11,000 in sales, a jump from $9,500 in just two days. The demand for his cards reveals a clear craze that mimics what happened when Zion Williamson came on the scene.
Next in the spotlight is Derik Queen from Maryland, whose buzzer-beater magic has both his team’s tournament hopes and his card values soaring. Queen’s incredible last-second shot catapulted Maryland into the Sweet Sixteen and onto the collector’s radars. His Bowman U Now card, which captures this thrilling moment, is currently a hot commodity. And while Queen has become well-known to those in the hobby, his 22-point, 20-rebound performance previously led to a one-of-a-kind Superfractor card selling for $599. The latest card drop includes limited edition autographs, with only 10, 5, and 1 available for the most exclusive collectors aiming to lay their hands on these prized possessions.
Duke’s own Kon Knueppel is another freshman making significant impressions on and off the court. His ability to shoot with sniper-like precision is infectious, and the mood shifts positively every time he hits the floor. Knueppel recently set fire to Miami’s defenses, putting up a dazzling 25 points, which earned him a Bowman U Now card valued at $230. Not only has this performance buoyed his card’s commercial appeal, but he’s also earning accolades, such as an ACC Tournament MVP card. For someone potentially drafted later in the lottery, Knueppel’s marketability is surging at an impressive pace.
Back with Arizona, Carter Bryant is striving to reach the same audience and attention. At 6’8″ and sporting great instincts on defense along with reliable perimeter play, Bryant seems custom-designed for the modern NBA. Yet, his cards are still budget-friendly — for now. His encounter at the Sweet Sixteen against Duke presents the perfect opportunity for a breakout moment. Presently, base Prizm Draft Picks cards circulate at lower values, while rarer iterations fetch considerably higher prices, with a Black Gold /5 recently selling at $102.50. A high-stakes duel and standout performance will likely propel his cards’ status and demand.
The blue-blood program also houses another potential future star in Isaiah Demonte Evans. Despite limited impact on the court thus far—spending only seven minutes against Baylor—Evans already garners interest among collectors. Ranked 15th in his recruiting class, his potential is unquestionable, which is why his 2024 Topps McDonald’s All-American Drive-Thru Superfractor 1/1 commanded close to $200, with a Jersey Patch Auto /5 getting $275. Considered a sleeper, all eyes will be watching to see if, and when, Evans gets his shot to truly shine and capitalize on his scoring attributes.
As this intense phase of March Madness explodes, so does the attention and curiosity surrounding these rising university stars. This frenetic confluence of national spotlight, promising NBA potential, and a vibrant trading card market presents collectors and fans with the perfect occasion to eyes-glued-on-screens and ears-to-the-ground approach. The weekend ahead is bursting with potential insights, with these young talents looking to not just claim tournament victories, but also solidify their standings in collectors’ hearts and binders for years to come.
