搶先看:2012-13 Past & Present Basketball

Ysponder

The premiere edition of Panini America’s Past & Present Basketball product last season appealed to many different types of collectors for many different reasons, but the one common thread woven throughout the old-meets-new delight was pure, unadulterated fun.

From the tactile nature of 2011-12 Past & Present Basketball’s technology-driven inserts (such as Raining 3s and Breakout Stars) . . . to the wicked-cool throwback design of the base set . . . to the seldom-seen signers of Elusive Ink . . . to the sweet memorabilia offerings,  there’s no denying the high entertainment value of one of last season’s most impressive debut products.


Of course, all of that just means that Panini America’s NBA Product Development team has its work cut out for it when creating the highly anticipated follow-up edition. But judging by the following preview of 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball, the guys are more than up to the task.

Due out in early May, 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball will feature a 250-card base set that includes 50 short-printed variations and, for the first time ever, true Rookie Cards. Each box will deliver three autographs.

Other product highlights include:The classically styled base cards will be countered with six unique technology-driven inserts, including the return of Raining 3s, Treads (showcasing the  look and feel of sneaker treads), Winning Touch Banners and the felt-textured Headbands. The cereal-box-inspired Rise ‘n Shine insert is sure to be a big hit, too.

We’ll have tons more to share on 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball in the coming weeks and months. Until then, though, enjoy this first extended sneak peek . . .

                  

Ysponder

A Big Flocking Deal: Texture Tells the Story in 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball



While the hoops world awaits Wednesday’s release of 2012-13 Preferred Basketball, we thought we’d take this opportunity to share just a glimpse of the NBA product Panini America has planned after Preferred. For the record, 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball is a pretty big flocking deal. Literally.

At least certain parts of the product are. Those familiar with last season’s premiere edition of Past & Present Basketball likely fondly remember it for its generation-blending MO that melded several old-school collecting concepts with the new-school feel of eye-popping print technologies. This year’s release follows much the same recipe, but with new designs, new technologies and a whole lot of flocking going on.

Flocking, at least in hobby terms, is a printing process that produces a velvet-like, textured surface to trading cards. In the case of 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball, that different-to-the-touch technology has been liberally and cleverly applied to the set’s Headbands and Championship Banners inserts. With the 2013 NBA Playoffs underway, many NBA superstars are wearing the former while attempting to earn the latter as we speak. So now seemed like the perfect time to preview these flocked phenomenons.

We managed to track down one uncut sheet that incorporated the flocking, as well as a few finished Championship Banners cards, for the following sneak peek.

We’ll have tons of additional coverage on 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball in the coming days right here on The Knight’s Lance. But for now, take a little time to sit back and appreciate the flocking.

xx60211

頭帶特卡@@
下次也出個面罩俠吧！

a902010

改天會出髮窟吧^^

Ysponder

The Panini America Quality Control Gallery: 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball (75 Pics)



From the soles of their sneakers to the sweatbands atop their heads, the NBA’s greatest superstars from yesterday, today and tomorrow have a unique place in Panini America’s upcoming 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball. It’s a tactile presence complete with trading card creations that are different to the touch and by design. It’s a presence with hard-to-find autographs and a cool factor fueled as much by print technology as the product’s unique blending of throwback nuances and a wholesome dose of newness.

The Past & Present brand proved to be quite an engaging experience for collectors during its debut run last season.  But the 2012-13 sequel looks to be even more impressive. From flocking, Treads and Elusive Ink to rare base-set SPs, legendary Hall of Famers and the Cracked Ice splendor or Shattered, there’s a little bit of something for everyone in 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball.


The product releases this Wednesday, but the Panini America basketball brass conducted the Quality Control process for it late last week, while many of us were in New York City for the 2013 NFL Draft. In fact, providing the following gallery was one of the primary reasons I couldn’t wait to get back.

So, without further ado, we present the must-see QC gallery for 2012-13 Past & Present Basketball. Enjoy this extended first look at this diverse and entertaining release. Oh, and stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance tomorrow for a special look at one of the most unique inclusions in the set’s Elusive Ink insert.