Card Carrying

Almost all avid sports fans collected trading cards at one point when they were younger. The hobby is no different among those who go on to play sports at a high level.

Jahmir Young and DeShawn Harris-Smith are two teammates who collected cards of their favorite players when they were young. Now, as teammates in the backcourt of Maryland men's basketball, they have their own trading cards that young kids can collect just as they did years ago. 

Both players have a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Topps® - a company that manufactures trading cards and other collectibles. They are one of the leading producers of sports memorabilia and produce cards under other brand names such as Allen & Ginter and Bowman.

Bowman released cards of Young and Harris-Smith under its 2023-24 University Chrome® Basketball line. The series features college basketball players, many of whom are regarded as future stars at the next level.

“When I was younger, baseball cards were big and I also collected basketball cards,” Young said. “It all came from me playing video games and watching my favorite players. So, for me to have my own card means a lot to me and I'm just going to keep working.”

Young has had many other trading cards produced with different brands dating back to his time playing at Charlotte. Most recently, he had a card released under the Bowman University Now® series that celebrates pivotal moments in college sports as they happen. The cards are only available at Topps.com and are available for a limited time.

Young received a limited-edition trading card that spotlighted his play in Maryland's win at No. 10 Illinois as part of a unique NIL package. Young scored a game-high 28 points in the Terps’ 76-67 win, helping them capture their first road win at a top-10 opponent since defeating No. 6 Wisconsin on the road in 2020. Young added eight assists and two rebounds in the game.

Young was one of five players, and one of two in the Big Ten, to be featured under the Bowman U Now line at the time of the card’s release. The card was also only available on Topps’ website from Jan 17-20.

“It was a great moment for me to build my name and also take advantage of a unique NIL opportunity,” Young said about his two Bowman cards. “It was pretty cool to be able to see myself on a card and being able to know that people are sending them out and actually picking it up.”

For Harris-Smith, the product was his first licensed trading card. He says he signed roughly 5,000 cards when he was still in high school. His deal also brings back memories of his childhood.

“Every time my mom and I were in Walmart or something and we were in the checkout aisle I was trying to get her to give me some baseball, football or basketball cards,” Harris-Smith said. “Seeing my name and my face on the card was definitely just a cool experience.”

Harris-Smith and Young both had fans send them their cards with the hopes of each player signing them. Young met one fan who sent him a card at one of his games. Harris-Smith received several of his cards from his fans as well.  

“I got three in my locker right now,” Harris-Smith said. “People DM me telling me they sent me a card and asking if I can sign it and send it back. It’s just great that people look up to me and even want my autograph. It’s really a humbling experience and it makes me want to keep working harder each day.”

The One Maryland Collective serves student-athletes at the University of Maryland by providing NIL opportunities and allowing them to engage and participate in charitable causes and other businesses. The collective allows student-athletes to build their brands while making a positive impact. Harris-Smith says the university has been helpful by providing knowledge and a platform for student-athletes to accomplish that.

“Maryland gives us the right tools and the right information so we can be smart with NIL opportunities,” Harris-Smith said. “They’re always helping us reach out to different people and getting us NIL opportunities. They also provide us with tools and education on money management and information on how to market ourselves so people want us to partner with their brands.”