Set Complete: 1978-79 Topps Basketball

The 1978-79 Topps Basketball probably isn't on a many collectors wish list, but it has been a personal target of mine for decades. I'm not really sure why it's taken me so long to complete it, most likely I put this off because I've seen these cards everywhere and every time I see them they are cheap.  So more than likely I shrugged it off and figured I'll get to it someday.

  
As luck would have it that day happened during my last trip to South Dakota.  

I stopped at an antique shop known to sell cards and there it was, waiting for me to give it a good home.  Did I mention the price was right?  $60.  That might sound like a lot to some folks, but to me that's a bargain to finally end a lifelong yearning to complete a vintage basketball set.

Look at that classic design. In general, I have a dislike for vertical headers, they never seem to mesh well.  For some reason I like this design.  Maybe its the custom font, or maybe it's how the team name really stands out.  Or maybe it's because this design reminds me of so many baseball sets with an insert of the player photo.

Maybe the best design aspect of these vintage sets is the big, bold banner that designates a player as an all-star.  At the time I may not have heard of many of these players but you knew they were good because of that banner.  And I'm pretty sure the 2nd teamers would give the 1st team a run for their money.

To me this is what a card should be about.  Look at that rebounding action!

Or maybe you like this kind of action...ball dribbling game action.

And you won't see this kind of defensive action on display in any of today's shiny sets.  Does anyone in the NBA keep their hands up anymore?

Let's not forget about the back.  Easy to read, prominent card number and a nice write up on the player.  I never knew Dennis Johnson was an 'effective backcourt man' before now.  I'm not sure why, but the Doors song Back Door Man just popped in my head.

When I first started collecting cards in 1978, I had no idea basketball cards were a thing.  I don't ever remember seeing basketball cards for sale at my local 7-Eleven until 1980-81.  It is likely because of that I always wanted to complete some of these 70's basketball sets.  This set is certainly affordable and at 132 cards makes for a fairly easy chase.  This also checks off one my goals this year to complete a vintage set (though I have one or two left to show off).  I'll be chasing the 79-80 set soon enough.

Thanks for stopping by and happy hunting!