[tamthor]

2007 Press Pass Legends has already made waves with the announcement of the first-ever Pete Maravich autographed basketball card…but the boys at Press Pass are gonna do you one better by inserting dual Alumni Ink autographs as well. The insert drew rave reviews in Legends football last year, and with college basketball collecting more popular than ever, couldn’t come at a better time for the basketball card industry. Some of the top combinations slated for release are Pat Riley and Dan Issel of Kentucky, Clyde Drexler and Elvin Hayes of Houston, Isiah Thomas and Steve Alford of Indiana and JoJo White and Danny Manning of Kansas.

Press Pass’ Director of Marketing, Tom Farrell Wrote:With so many former athletes getting into broadcasting, alumnus’ dedication to their alma maters has been brought to the forefront. Whether it’s Bill Walton extolling the power of the Bruins during a game, or Jay Bilas talking about Coach K and Duke in his half-time analysis, school pride is evident any time fans turn on the television. In reality, this is just an extension of what true collegiate fans have known all along – alumni are incredibly proud of their former institutions, and what they accomplish. With this insert, we’ve tried to honor the traditions of the top programs in the country, as well as well as what they’ve accomplished through the years.

Other Legends highlights include a Saturday Swatches set featuring rare game used college jerseys of top 2006-07 rookies, Legendary Legacy Marks autographs of all-time college greats, Naismith Award Winner Autographs featuring players who have earned the Naismith Award, Center Court Cuts showcasing cut signatures from Bill Russell and Pete Maravich and autographed Press Plates.

On another note, the company has confirmed that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will no longer be included in the program.

Press Pass, Inc. Product Manager, Nick Matijevich Wrote:Unfortunately, some unforeseen circumstances arose with Mr. Abdul-Jabbar, and he won’t be signing for us. We came to terms with him in late September and had Bill Walton sign their Alumni Association Ink pairing, so this was definitely unexpected. With that said, we’ve still got an unbelievable product and don’t expect this to slow us down in the least.

Press Pass Legends is slated to release January 24th and will include a 70-card base set printed on premium card stock with foil stamping. The product boasts five autographs and one game jersey in each 18-pack box.