In the fast-paced world of sports card collecting, where the year’s rookie stars and seasoned legends meet on glossy cardstock, Panini has once again answered the call of the impatient collector with the 2024-25 edition of Panini One and One Basketball. This one’s accelerated for those who prefer their collecting thrills to be as brief as a buzzer-beater shot, yet packed with just enough panache to keep the adrenaline flowing.
The concept is simple, yet exquisitely satisfying: each box contains a mere two cards, but oh, what a pair they are! You’ll find one guaranteed autograph and another card that can be a base, a parallel, an insert, or a memorabilia card. This isn’t just a card opening; it’s an experience wrapped in anticipation and encased in the most dignified of card protectors—a one-touch case. No need to worry about misplacing your meticulous pulls—they’re secured against all hazards, from stray droplets to clumsy fingers.
One of the most delightful aspects of the 2024-25 release is Panini’s ongoing obsession with color. The base cards, meticulously numbered out of 99, display NBA stars both past and present, and newly-minted rookies vying for fame. This year, however, Panini took a dive into the printer’s palette and did a little redecorating. Say hello to the Orange parallels, a vibrant new addition numbered to 49. These join the existing entourage of Blue (/35), Purple (/25), Red (/15), Gold (/10), Green (/5), and, of course, the unicorn in the card-collecting world—the Black one-of-one.
For those collectors who revel in chasing down legend-inspired inserts, there’s good news: the iconic Downtown inserts have returned, but there’s a twist. Panini has added All Star variations for a sprinkle of extra dazzle. The ‘why stop at good when you can go great’ philosophy continues with the addition of fresh inserts bearing dramatic names like Fourth Dimension, the metallic Permit to Dominate, comic-esque Manga, the lively Prizmania, and the visually explosive Black Color Blast.
Autographs remain a highlight of the One and One experience. This year, Panini resurrects the Timeless Moments Autographs, a set beloved for both its signature allure and its photographic connection to historic NBA moments. And because Panini understands that one is never enough in the realm of autographs, they’re bringing back dual-signed Timeless Moments as well. As part of the fresh 2024-25 lineup, various autograph havens such as ‘One of a Kind’ and ‘The One and Only Autographs’ are also here to enchant.
And if your enthusiasm leans towards the tactile thrill of memorabilia, Panini has not left a single jersey unturned. This year infuses its memorabilia offerings with new options, enticingly titled Fractal Patch Autographs and Lone Star Autographs, among others. Plus, collectors can rejoice (or gasp) at the prospect of pulling the revered Logoman cards, perfect for those who aspire to hoard not just any memorabilia, but those with major league bragging rights.
If you’re keeping a scorecard, here’s the essential quick peek: A hobby pack contains 2 cards, a box (yes, only one) holds those two special cards, and a case boasts 10 of these duo-offering boxes. The full set size and its enticing checklist? For now, they remain just out of reach—a secret to be revealed closer to release. Until then, prepare your fastest fingers and hone your opening technique; the countdown to release day means every collector needs to be poised and ready to jump into this vibrant, whirlwind of instant gratification.
In this world where waiting is selectively optional, Panini’s 2024-25 One and One Basketball boxes serve as a testament to the unexpected allure of brevity—a short sprint through storied basketball splendor. This annual release reminds us that often the most precious things come in the smallest, most intensely concentrated packages. Basketball cards, like great moments of the game, are best savored, one at a time.
