Upper Deck Rolls Out Rookie Premier Set Next Week

Content originally published by sportscollectorsdaily.com on 14 March 2008

Having trimmed production numbers to help increase demand, Upper Deck will release its 2007-08 NBA SP Rookie Edition Basketball set next week.

The 60-card base set, which yields three rookies in every pack, on average, showcases the league’s top first year players. Inserted are autographed cards from Rookie of the Year frontrunner Kevin Durant (Sonics), Al Horford (Hawks), Michael Conley (Grizzlies), Corey Brewer (T-Wolves), Joakim Noah (Bulls) and Julian Wright (Hornets).

Beyond spotlighting the top rookies from this season’s grueling schedule, Upper Deck’s 2007-08 NBA SP Rookie Edition launch also boasts a retro feel to its delivery as classic SP designs from seasons gone by – 1994-95, 1996-97 and 1997-98 – are captured, thus providing four variations of each of the rookies included. On average, collectors should find no less than 42 rookies and two autographs per box.

Upper Deck has included a 1998 SP Veteran/Legend Design insert lineup (1:12 packs) that includes current vets like Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Tracy McGrady and Tony Parker, along with retired legends such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon. Each of the current stars and legends included has signed a limited number of their cards.

“This year’s NBA SP Rookie Edition release gave us a chance to highlight the league’s best new talent in a very unique way,” said Chris Kollmeyer, Upper Deck’s Basketball brand manager. “Because by looking back and selecting previous SP designs, we were able to deliver each of the rookies on four different cards. And the 1998 SP Veteran/Legend Design component allowed us to acknowledge some of the greatest players who have ever laced it up.”

Upper Deck’s 2007-08 NBA SP Rookie Edition Basketball carries a suggested retail price of $4.99 per eight-card pack with 14 packs per box. The product will be available on store shelves starting Wednesday, March 19.