Can Paige Bueckers challenge Caitlin Clark in the trading card world? Plus the other names to know
Can Paige Bueckers challenge Caitlin Clark in the trading card world? Plus the other names to know
2023 Bowman Chrome University 1st Bowman Refractor (the hobby puts a premium on a player's 1st Bowman card as a key pre-rookie card and the refractor version is a bit more rare and desirable than the standard base card)
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2023 Bowman Chrome University 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph
2023 Bowman U Now March Madness Bueckers / Clark dual autograph
Aside from Bueckers, whose card market benefited the most from their performance in the tournament?
The NCAA tournament provides a great vehicle for athletes to become household names, elevating their brand on the biggest stage. This year was no exception as several athletes saw their popularity rise, positioning themselves as prime targets for collectors.
Azzi Fudd
The Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Fudd wasn't on the sidelines this year rehabbing a torn ACL like she was last year. Her versatility was key to UConn's championship run, highlighted by her 11 third quarter points in the final, a UConn Women's Basketball record. Collectors looking for Fudd in a mainstream Topps or Panini product will have to wait for now. Her first licensed card was through the company, The Player's Trunk. In 2022 they released a team set featuring debut cards of key players such as Azzi Fudd (#1), Nika Muhl (#6), and Aailyah Edwards (#2). ONIT did include Fudd in their UConn team release in 2023-24, and Panini followed with an Instant auto (#71, pictured above) and post-championship release.
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Kiki Iriafen
Going into March Madness, Iriafen was considered by many to be a lock for the third pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. And while the recent announcement of Olivia Miles' return for her final collegiate season, albeit at TCU, has shifted projections, Iriafen's strong March performance and leadership in the absence of JuJu Watkins only raised her profile. Iriafen is included in 2024 Leaf Metal Women of Sport (#45), 2023-24 Panini Prizm Draft Picks, and 2024-25 Bowman University Chrome (#47).
Aneesah Morrow
The WNBA bound Morrow had the best game of her college career in the 2025 Sweet 16, dropping 30 points with 19 rebounds to lead the comeback against NC State. Scoring 2,500 and fetching 1,500 rebounds in a college career certainly turns heads, but her card options have been largely limited to Leaf products. Morrow has appeared in several Leaf releases, beginning with 2022-23 Leaf Draft, and more recently, making her hobby licensed debut in 2024-25 Bowman University Chrome. For those interested in print-to-order options, she has two cards through the Bowman U Now platform.
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Sarah Strong
To be clear, the NCAA Tournament didn't put Strong on collector radars, but it did show that the Freshmen of the Year recipient has lived up to her hype. While her cards were sought after in the recent Topps McDonald's All-American set, prices cooled quickly after it was released, and only after her historic 114-point tournament scoring achievement have her cards crept back up. Several print-to-order cards featuring Strong were released by Panini and Topps following the championship game, adding even more options for collectors already chasing her in Bowman University Chrome.
How do you think JuJu Watkins' injury will impact her card prices?
While a small dip might be expected I certainly wouldn't expect it to last long. My experience from recent breaks of Bowman University Chrome suggest that collectors still have a strong desire for her cards. Online break pricing for the USC team spots, or her solo spots, were consistently priced only behind Cooper Flagg. Though she may be sidelined for part of next season, her recent exclusive deal with Fanatics signals that Watkins will remain very much at the forefront of women's basketball cards and collectibles.
Do you think Bueckers can challenge Clark as the most widely collected WNBA player? And whose name gets misspelled more?
Bueckers cards will be in high demand, especially for her licensed WNBA card debut. Though anything is possible, I don't foresee the kind of seemingly insatiable appetite for all things Bueckers the way the hobby has experienced with Caitlin Clark. There are clearly more buyers in this hobby space today, and this draft class, as well as those coming up in the near future, have lots of stars to keep collectors happy.
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The second question might actually be easier. Bueckers should be the tougher name to spell. Should. But considering how many incorrect spellings I see on a daily basis of Clark's name, I fear the phantom 'y' in her first name might be here to stay.
Whose cards are you buying heading into the WNBA Draft?
It's a great time to be buying WNBA cards, however I am happily ignoring many of the biggest prospects including Bueckers, Watkins, and Clark. Those players are in high demand, with prices reflecting such. In contrast, many WNBA veterans and legend cards are still wildly undervalued, particularly in comparison to Clark's recent sales. However, two prospects who have flown a bit under the hobby radar that I'm happily buying up are Sonia Citron and Ta'Niya Latson.
Citron's size and versatility will make her a lottery pick with the upside to collectors as a rookie who can make an instant impact on the professional level. She was featured in 2024 Leaf Metal Women of Sport, followed by releases from Bowman U Now (including a dual auto with Hannah Hidalgo) and the recent 2024-25 Bowman University Chrome (#64).
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Though Latson received the 2023 WBCA and USBWA Freshman of the Year Awards and led the nation this past season in scoring average, her national profile was perhaps limited since she played for Florida State. This changes next season as she takes her game from Tallahassee, through the transfer portal, to prime-time South Carolina. And unlike many highly touted players, she only has one mainstream card in the 2022 Topps Chrome McDonald's All American (#29 & #77) release so far.
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
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an hour ago
- Yahoo
'Craziest' reversal of fortune puts Mavs on path to Flagg after all the Doncic drama
FILE - Duke forward Cooper Flagg celebrates after scoring against the Houston during the second half in the national semifinals at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File) FILE - Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, left, and team Governor Patrick Dumont, center, watch the team play against the Toronto Raptors in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero, file) FILE - Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, left, and team Governor Patrick Dumont, center, watch the team play against the Toronto Raptors in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero, file) FILE - Duke forward Cooper Flagg celebrates after scoring against the Houston during the second half in the national semifinals at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Antonio. 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Chicago Tribune
4 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
NBA draft: Here are the forwards to watch for, including Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey
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He proved he can thrive as a scorer, such as when he had an Atlantic Coast Conference freshman-record 42 points against Notre Dame. That included ranking in the 85th percentile or better in converting as the ballhandler in pick-and-rolls, on post-ups and in transition, according to Synergy's analytics rankings. He also thrived as a playmaker, while his length allows him to alter shots, get into passing lanes and finish at the rim — sometimes over a defender. And then there's his competitive edge, with multiple examples of Flagg's willingness to take on big moments and receptiveness to firm coaching. That included coach Jon Scheyer lighting into Flagg during a first-half timeout in January for playing soft (in so many words) against N.C. State, then Flagg responding with 23 of his 28 points after halftime. 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Bailey can attack the paint and stretch defenses with his range. He had five January games with at least four made 3s while shooting 34.6% from behind the arc on the season. The versatility and athleticism indicates defensive potential, too. He averaged 1.3 blocks and had six games with at least three blocks in Big Ten play. Concerns: Adding strength would help him against bumps and physical play by stronger defenders, such as improving on finishing just 42.1% of layups in the halfcourt at Rutgers. There's a streakiness in his shot, such as making 12 of 31 free throws (.387) over a six-game midseason stretch or 7 of 39 3-pointers (.179) after January. There's also the awkward question of Bailey's impact beyond stats considering the Scarlet Knights had a losing record despite Bailey teaming with another one-and-done prospect in likely No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper. Strengths: The 6-7, 217-pound Knueppel was an efficient wing scorer with size and defense-stretching range. 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Chicago Tribune
4 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
NBA draft: Here are the centers to watch for, including Khaman Maluach and Derik Queen
Duke's Khaman Maluach anchored the interior for an elite defensive team that reached the Final Four. Maryland's Derik Queen was the offensive focal point for a team that reached the NCAA Tournament's second weekend. Those freshmen are the headliners among big men in the upcoming NBA draft. While there's a deep well of high-end guard prospects, the bigs have a smaller list and could produce Maluach and Queen as the lone lottery picks. Here's a look at the position entering Wednesday's first round. Strengths: He has the length and size of an elite rim-runner who can impact games as a shot blocker and lob threat. The 7-foot-1, 253-pounder from South Sudan — he joined NBA Academy Africa in 2021 — showed ability to defend on the perimeter in Duke's switch-heavy approach and had the combine's biggest wingspan at 7-6 3/4. Maluach runs the floor well for transition potential beyond finishing those pick-and-roll chances, where he ranked in the 99th percentile by shooting 89.4% (42 of 47), according to Synergy's analytics rankings. He shot 76.6% from the foul line and made four 3s, indicators that he can develop his touch. Concerns: Maluach, who turns 19 in September, is a relative newcomer to the game and is still developing a raw offensive skillset. His 71.2% shooting largely came on dunks and putbacks, and he got to the line just twice per game. Taking away those in-close opportunities can blunt Maluach's impact (for now, anyway). That was on display in Duke's Final Four loss to Houston; he struggled against older and more physical players while managing six points on 1-for-2 shooting with zero rebounds in 21 minutes. What we heard on Day 2 of the NBA draft combine: Players who might be on the Chicago Bulls' radarStrengths: The 6-9, 248-pound Queen is a skilled big who averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds while ranking among Division I leaders with 15 double-doubles with his ability to score in postups or off the offensive glass. He was also a solid passer (1.9 assists) and shot 76.6% on free throws while getting to the line 6.1 times per game, indicating his willingness to attack defenders. The 20-year-old claimed his place in March Madness lore by banking in a buzzer-beating runner to beat Colorado State and reach the NCAA Sweet 16. Concerns: Queen isn't the biggest of bigs nor an elite defender. There's also uncertainty on how he might fare against a bigger or quicker defenders, while he must improve his range after making just 7 of 35 3-pointers (20%). He also didn't measure well at the combine; he tied for last among all players in standing vertical leap (23.5 inches) and tied for second-lowest in max vertical (28.0), as well as last or next to last in lane agility, shuttle run and three-quarter court sprint testing. Strengths: The five-star recruit and first-round prospect helped the Bulldogs return to the NCAAs for the first time in a decade, with the 19-year-old capable of playing as a small-ball center or power forward. His athleticism helped him thrive on the offensive glass (22nd in Division I at 3.33 rebounds per game) and as a rim finisher, along with showing potential as a versatile defender. Concerns: Newell needs bulk on his 6-9, 224-pound frame to handle physical, stronger opponents. He also needs to enhance his outside shot after shooting 29.2% on 3-pointers (26 of 89). Strengths: The freshman has the frame to tussle amid bumps in the post (6-9, 263) and in traffic. He averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 53.2% overall, including 57.1% in post-up chances, according to Synergy. The first-round prospect has defensive potential with a 7-6 wingspan (tied for second-longest at the combine) that helped him average 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals. Concerns: The 19-year-old must improve his 3-point shot (6 of 37, 16.2%). There was a limited sample size of 24 games before a foot injury ended his season, though the Hoyas lost seven of 10 without him to illustrate his value. Rasheer Fleming: The 6-8, 232-pound junior from Saint Joseph's is a first-round prospect who averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last year. He has a better than 7-5 wingspan, and went from shooting 31.3% on 3s in his first two seasons to 39% last year. Danny Wolf: The 6-11, 252-pound junior thrived in moving from Yale in the Ivy League to the Big Ten's Michigan. The first-round prospect averaged 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds while also making 38 3s in 37 games to go with 15 double-doubles. Maxime Raynaud: Stanford's fourth-year senior from France is a skilled 7-footer who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds while making 67 3-pointers in 35 games last year. His rangy skillset could land him late in the first round. Joan Beringer: The 6-11, 230-pound Frenchman turns 19 in November and could be a first-rounder as a mobile threat working in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat. Hansen Yang: The 7-1, 249-pound center from China is a potential late first-rounder with intriguing size (9-3 standing reach, nearly 7-3 wingspan, only combine player in top three in both hand length and width) to go with shooting and passing touch. He turns 20 on June 26, the day of the second round. Ryan Kalkbrenner: The 7-1, 257-pound senior from Creighton averaged 14.5 points and 2.4 blocks while shooting 65.8% over five college seasons. He has good touch in the paint and had 49 points in a game last year (second-most in Division I) as a possible late first-rounder. Yanic Konan Niederhauser: The 6-11, 243-pound junior from Penn State is a likely second-rounder who ranked 12th in Division I by averaging 2.31 blocks. He had a better than 7-3 wingspan with a 37-inch max vertical leap at the combine. Johni Broome: The Associated Press All-American from Auburn is a likely second-round prospect. He averaged 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, but lacks elite athleticism (he tied Queen in max vertical leap) and plays below the rim with a 6-9, 249-pound frame.
