When I was collecting NBA cards back in the ‘90s, rarity wasn’t something I was aware of. When I ripped a pack open and pulled a player I was after (shoutout, Penny Hardaway), I was hyped regardless if it was a run-of-the-mill base card or a rarer insert.
When I got back into card collecting during the pandemic, that was the only time I dove into the world of short prints, super short prints, case hits, and rarity ratios. The smaller the print run of a certain card, the more valued it is.
The rarest cards in existence are called one-of-ones. Basically, there’s only one print of that card. It’s usually printed on a really special card stock with shiny foil details. It also comes with a sought-after, one-of-one stamp usually printed using an elegant font to differentiate it from other numbered cards.
Those ultra-rare, super unique cards are the inspiration for the newest show on NBA TV Philippines, 1 of 1, which premieres on Thursday, October 5 at 6:30 PM.
1 of 1 examines ultra-rare, super unique players, coaches, teams, and moments, trying to determine if they deserve that elegant one-of-one stamp.
Some players are a given. You’re never going to see another player who will change the game like Steph Curry did. Or a player who will match the overall impact and longevity of LeBron James. This show celebrates what Steph and ‘Bron have accomplished. By the end of their respective episodes, they’re given the exclusive 1 of 1 stamp.
But, are score-first guards like Damian Lillard and Allen Iverson really that rare? Where do these two belong in the pantheon of greats? Do all Seven Seconds or Less Phoenix Suns copies in the past 20 years diminish what the OGs have done? Is Manu Ginobili really unique or is he just quirky? Will there be another Dunk Contest quite like the 2016 face-off between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon?
These are just some of the questions that guests like Bea Fabregas, Riki Flores, Katz Salao, Sandy Arespacochaga, Diego Dario, Larry Fonacier, Isaac Go, Shaun Ildefonso, Red Ollero, and Willie Wilson try to answer.
Some of the players might not get that elusive stamp yet but the conversation has started. It’s now up to you to determine if they’re a one-of-one or not.
1 of 1 airs every Thursday at 6:30 PM exclusively on NBA TV Philippines, available on Cignal TV.
