Topps returned to basketball cards in 1992-93 with two sets, a regular one, and this premium Stadium Club with full-bleed photographs. As with any full-bleed cards, flaws in condition are very visible. This #288 Tom Gugliotta card exemplifies that. Collectors face the same troubles with all of the cards, but this is a great one to discuss condition sensitivity in this set. The border is pure black for nearly 75% of the card. There’s nowhere to hide here. And moving into the background, there’s not much relief either. Any surface defects are going to be very visible because the background is also pure black. This card is a great reminder that with this set, there’s often no forgiveness concerning visual defects.
The card itself is a rookie from Series II, it displays the “’92 Draft Pick” foil like most of the rookies from this set. The Series is dominated by rookies of Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning. This Tom Gugliotta card isn’t on that level…it’s even overshadowed by Latrell Sprewell, Christian Laettner, Robert Horry and others. But there was a lot of hope when Gugliotta entered the league. The reverse mentions Larry Bird comparisons. He led the ACC both in rebounds and three-pointers, a rare combination with someone of this height. A good point is made about that height where it says that despite his height, he “possesses guard-like passing and shooting skills.” There’s a discrepancy with his height on the card, with the bio stats saying 6′ 10″ and the information at the bottom saying 6′ 9″.
Just a common rookie from Series II, but looking at that black background and border, it’s a stark reminder to keep your commons in good condition. They might be more rare than you realize!
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