Sharing a brief background, basketball cards were determined
by Topps management (the only company producing basketball cards)
that 1981-82 would be the last year for cards since there was
little interest in basketball. So there were no cards in 1982.
In 1983 a company named The Star Company (Star) produced basketball
cards.
We’ll kind of.
The cards were not what collectors were used to.
For the last 30+ years collectors have been collecting cards
in a wax pack. Star decided that putting each team of cards in
separate plastic bags with a small stapled in the top of the bag
would be ok with collectors.
This idea did not go over well.
Collectors were:
· Not impressed with the “team in a plastic bag”
idea: where you could see what cards you were getting. The plastic
bag took out all the fun and surprise out of “opening a
pack” to see what surprise you found in the wax pack.
· Not impressed with the photography, the photos were not
sharp and clear of the players.
· Not please with the cutting of the cards as many cards
were well off center.
· Somewhat concerned that the cards could be easily counterfeited.
Note: My advice if you do want to purchase a “Star”
card; is make sure your cards are professionally graded.
Originally Collectors did not jump on the band wagon and pick
up these cards.
In 1984 a guy from the University of North Carolina, a Tar Heel
was the 3rd pick for the Chicago Bulls. This new guy had AMAZING
“High Flying” skills.
Still there was little interest in Star basketball cards.
Star produced three cards:
· Team card # 101, known as the XRC (eXtra Rookie Card)
· Olympic card # 195
· “Special” card # 288
The issue with the three cards is condition. Graded versions
are found in “near mint/mint” or usually lower grades
at best. Many times the cards did not look to be in good shape
even right from the plastic bag they originally came from.
From a grading stand point, I will be surprised if there is ever
a Mint 9 of any of the three cards. I’m comfortable saying,
there will never be a Gem Mint 9.5, or Pristine 10 of any of these
three cards.