The Panini America Quality Control Gallery: 2017-18 Vanguard Basketball (50+ Images)

September 05, 2018

Panini America 2017-18 Vanguard Basketball QC2

Back in the day, when something called “Y2K” had a skittish nation on the edge of its proverbial seat, baseball, football and hockey collectors were treated to a short-lived new trading card creation known as Vanguard. It debuted for all three sports during the 2000 product season and struck a chord with many collectors because of its looks, its inserts, its eye-catching designs and its autograph content.

Back in the day, Vanguard never stepped foot on the hardwood to show what it was capable of in the basketball arena. In two days, it will. Seventeen or so years later, Panini America’s Vanguard Basketball is ready for its rookie NBA season — and its bringing with it many of the tried-and-true staples that worked so well almost 20 years ago.

Hobby historians will instantly recognize that the base set for 2017-18 Vanguard Basketball borrows extensively from the 2000 Vanguard Football release. And it took its insert inspiration from Vanguard originals such as Cosmic Force, High Voltage and Vanguard Press — albeit with a modern-day autograph emphasis.

On average, each hobby box of 2017-18 Vanguard Basketball (five cards per box, six boxes per case) will deliver four autographs and one base card or parallel. Every autograph in the product is signed on-card and there are just 49 base sets that can be completed. Look for Rookie Patch Autographs numbered to 99 or less in the Prime Prospects chase.

We offer an extended glimpse at 2017-18 Vanguard Basketball in the Quality Control Gallery that follows. Enjoy the sneak peek and stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for additional coverage.

The product will be available at the official online store of Panini America beginning Friday at 10 a.m.