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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 23: Derik Queen #25 of the Maryland Terrapins celebrates after defeating Colorado State Rams during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Climate Pledge Arena on March 23, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
C. Morgan Engel via Getty Images
If you're surprised to hear that March Madness athletes even have sports cards, you're not alone. Until 2021, they didn’t — at least not officially. That’s because NCAA athletes weren’t allowed to profit off their name, image, or likeness (NIL). But with the rise of NIL, companies like Topps have stepped in to produce cards for top college prospects through sets like Bowman Chrome University and Topps Chrome McDonald’s All-American.
But here’s the kicker: not every player has cards. And not every player with cards made the tournament. So we did the homework for you. Here are five players, not named Paige Bueckers, with officially licensed cards and March Madness momentum — who are already making waves in the hobby.
Derik Queen – Maryland
When Queen hit a game-winning shot with 3.7 seconds left to send Maryland to the Sweet 16, his card prices took flight. The projected lottery pick has solidified his reputation as the embodiment of clutch, with a huge matchup against No. 1 seed Florida ahead. Queen was recently included in 2024 Topps McDonald’s All-American set alongside other rising stars like Dylan Harper, Cooper Flag and Sarah Strong.
Best Card: 2024 Topps McDonald’s All-American Gold Auto /50
Find it on eBay →
JuJu Watkins – USC
Averaging nearly 25 points per game, JuJu is no stranger to the hobby, and she is looking to cement her status as one of the best college players ever with a Championship this March. She first appeared in 2022-23 Topps Chrome University Basketball but was overshadowed at the time by first Bowman’s of Victor Wembanyama and Caitlin Clark. She also had autos later in 2023 Mcdonalds All-American with Bronny James.
Best Card: 2022-23 Topps Chrome University 1st Bowman Autograph Gold /50
Find it on eBay →
Sarah Strong – UConn
UConn freshman Sarah Strong joins a stacked Huskies roster alongside Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, but she’s making a name for herself fast — both on the court and in the hobby. Sarah’s stat line from her first Tournament game should be quick confirmation if you’re on the fence about investing. She posted 20 points, with 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks. For UConn fans who might not want to drop $400 on a Paige Bueckers auto, you can find Sarah’s cards much more reasonably priced in 2024 Topps McDonald’s All-American.
Best Card: 2024 Topps McDonald’s All-American Gold Auto /50
Find it on eBay →
Hailey Van Lith – TCU
A Cinderella story if there ever was one: The team, who held open tryouts a year ago and had to forfeit 2 games because they couldn’t field a team, is now playing in the Sweet 16 after not making the Tournament since 2010. A huge part of that turnaround was Hailey Van Lith, Big 12’s Player of the year. Hailey’s 1st Bowman Auto first appeared as she played for LSU in 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University.
Best Card: 2023-24 Topps Chrome University 1st Bowman Auto /50
Find it on Ebay →
Cooper Flagg – Duke
No March Madness Hobby list would be complete without Cooper Flagg. The Duke phenom and top NBA prospect has been the name to watch in college hoops — and his hobby hype is very real. His first official cards recently appeared in 2024 Topps McDonald’s All-American.
Best Card: 2024 Topps McDonald’s All-American Gold Auto /50
Find it on eBay →
Honorable Mentions: Kiki Rice (UCLA) and Lauren Betts (UCLA)
Bowman prospecting isn’t just for baseball anymore. Just as baseball collectors reopen their old Bowman boxes during Spring Training, you can expect to see a lot of Basketball collectors doing the same during March Madness looking to strike gold in the years to come.
Got one of their cards? Share it on Mantel — we’d love to see what you’re holding.
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