Can everyone here post a comment about how much they would like to see NBL cards make a return to the hobby?
Im thinking of just dropping an email to card manufacturers in Aus, to see if they would be interested in bring NBL cards back. Maybe I can show them this thread.
I for one, would collect every single card in the set. base. auto's. jersey cards. inserts. redemptions. every single card!, just like we used to.
Maybe if they decide to do it, we can give some much needed advice on what the hobby really wants. I notice that AFL has missed the mark here in lots of aspects, by not asking what the collectors really want. They don't even have memorabilia cards any more.
Post pics of your all time favourite NBL cards below too. I'll start.
I was a big fan of the Lord of the rings, and the Instant Impacts!
Then when they introduced the foil/refractor inserts, future took it to another level. Scans don't show the beauty of these cards, maybe someone can post iPhone pics instead to show the glow they give off.
Best of Both Worlds, Clutchmen and Head To Head were favs and kind of like Future Force too.
Would love to also see more import stability as it could affect peoples willingness to collect older sets as they don't remember who they were or were even in the league.
Hey gents, I know from having a foot in the door of the industry that any blockage in supply of product is from Basketball Australia. They've lumped these in the "too hard" basket so regardless if we even made this 10 pages long in support, it won't change any time soon.
I certainly would collect every card too mate. I have heard from a couple of different people that attempts have been made to produce NBL cards again, but lets just say BA has been less than helpful. Maybe now that the NBL is not under the umbrella of BA, something could be done.
Lords of the Ring was probably my favourite insert set, closely followed by Best of Both Worlds. I also love the old team sets produced by Futera and other manufacturers, like these old Vermont House Perth Wildcats cards (below).
Those Futura cards back in the late 90s / early 2000's brings back great memories. I remember pulling a best of both worlds Gaze auto redemption and was over the moon. Wish l had never sold it now. Personally l think the collectability of those cards rivalled the NBA release at the time.
Hopefully they can do something similar again.
They are separated, however the ability to manufacture merchandise still comes under their jurisdiction because of the way the players contracts are set up and there for have no interest in it happening.
I can't give much away, however it has been in 2015 where clarification has been sought.
I think the problem here would be lack of interest.
No doubt there would be a number of hardcore enthusiasts who would be extremely interested, but honestly I doubt there would be enough consumer interest for a company to actually make a profit from NBL cards. I just feel that Australian basketball has really dropped off the map around the early 2000's - these days I don't really know anybody who still follows it, they all follow the NBA.
From a pure business point of view, i just don't see how you could find enough collectors to move enough products to actually make a profit, and that's why I don't see any companies taking this on.
How would anyone know unless a company gave it a go mate?
I have seen teams make their own and they have been very popular. Sure it is not something that will make a heap of money, but it could be worth while.
There is definitely still plenty of people in Perth who follow NBL.
Aussies Abroad subset including autographs from Brett Brown, Cam Bairstow, Delly, Mills, Baynes, all those playing in europe and China that I know nothing about,Kyrie (clutching) and even Steven Adams (seeing as we steal any decent Kiwi's).
"Dunktacular" insert set featuring all 3 of the big dunks from the 14/15 Season
"Hip displacement" inserts, highlighting the NBL players ability to get the hips in front of a barrelling offense player and draw a charge
"Learning a lesson" inserts, featuring exiled NBA players who still think they need an NBA out clause in their contract
Aussie redemption cards - unlike the American brands, these are just straight up true blue and blatantly tell you that you are S*** Outta luck and ain't getting your card, no matter how many whinging emails you send!
To kinda steal your idea Adam, I reckon looking back on past sets, a company could make some pretty sweet ones.
I just wrote these up quickly, but they would make some good sets IMO.
Best of Both Worlds:
Patty Mills
Joe Ingles
Lords of the Ring:
Mitch Creek
Jordan McRae
Thomas Abercrombie
Josh Childress
DeAndre Daniels
Todd Blanchfield
Instant Impact:
Brock Motum
Torrey Craig
Scottie Wilbekin
Cedric Jackson
Brian Conklin
Gary Ervin
Head To Head:
Damian Martin - Cedric Jackson
Mark Worthington - Shawn Redhage
Mickell Gladness - Ikene Ebekwe
Gary Ervin - Jamar Wilson
Josh Childress - Thomas Abercrombie
Brock Motum - Daniel Kickert
Offensive Threats:
Josh Childress
Jordan McRae
Brian Conklin
Jamar Wilson
Brock Motum
Jermaine Beal
Defensive Giants:
Damian Martin
Cedric Jackson
Mickell Gladness
Ekene Ibekwe
Rhys Martin
Josh Childress
Outer Limits:
Cameron Gliddon
Corey Webster
Jermaine Beal
Ben Madgen
Clint Steindl
Oscar Forman