Question-Need your guidance

[returnofaskywalker]

I’m looking to get back into collecting basketball cards. The last time I collected was 1997-2001. I collected Upper Deck & Topps. Now I see those companies aren’t available but the only one that is Panini. When I collected UD & Topps I was familiar & collected sets such as MVP, Stadium Club, Finest, Series 1 & 2, etc. Which all seemed like basic sets. I was interested in conducting some research & maybe pre ordering. I went to the Panini web site, but I couldn’t find any info on basic sets they would be selling for this coming basketball season 2018-2019. Some questions I have are how many cards would be in the set, insert sets, possible autos, GU, etc. In the past I used becket as a resource but in the area I’m at I don’t have access to one. I also looked on eBay but didn’t see any pre orders for Panini 2018-2019 season.

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Can you please point me in a direction? I’m not even sure if I was at the right area on the Panini web site.

You can message me back here or email me at [email protected]

Thank you.

[Boinks]

Hey, I put together at least 2-3 sets every year so I'll try to give you some advice.

The first set to come out each year is usually Contenders. Its a small set around 150 cards and all of the rookies are still in their college uniforms. They throw tons of autographs into this set but from my experience you'll mostly get guys who aren't even drafted. I skip this one.

The first set I like to collect every year is Hoops. This is the closest set to what Topps was imo. The set totals 300 cards and is pretty cheap to put together. I don't know whats in the hobby boxes as I usually buy a couple blasters and try to trade for the rest.

Donruss is another cheap set , but only 200 cards. I like to put this one together because it's cheap and the inserts are always cool. Later in the year they put out a 'chrome' version called Optic, I don't think it has the same value as Prizm.

The set everyone goes nuts for is Prizm. Usually it's around 300 cards and this is Panini's version of Topps Chrome. Everyone goes crazy for the silver prizms so even with retail you have a decent chance of getting a big hit. If you're looking for a challenge and high value this set is one to consider putting together.

Threads, Excalibur, Crowne Royale, etc anything else they put out is really just for hit chasers imo, nothing great for set builders. They're usually small sets with some kind of gimmick.


Hope that helps!

[Boinks]

I forgot to mention Prestige. I like to put that together every year as well. Its 200 cards for the set but more expensive than Donruss. It usually has better photography and a better autograph/jersey list.

[bballkm32]

Those are great comparisons. Here is what I would compare them too as well:

MVP = Hoops or Donruss
Finest = Donruss Optic or Prizm
Stadium Club = Prestige

As @Boinks suggested, Threads is also a nice set. There are just a ton of products that are mainly focused on getting the hits and their price point shows it. Each of the above sets could get you a retail box (or 2) for less than $100.