Hobby Musings: Darius Garland at The National – Interview

 

Hobby Musings: Darius Garland at The National – Interview Transcript

Editor’s note: Some text has been changed from original audio for grammar and clarity. C.J. is the Director of Marketing & Athlete Relations for Leaf Trading Cards.

KS: All right, Mr. Garland, we’re here at the 2024 National Sports Coaches Convention. You’re signing for Upper Deck. NBA, huge industry. The NBA memorabilia industry is also very huge. Has this surprised you at all? You know just how big it is?

DG: No, not right now. And like you said, it’s growing. It’s a lot of people here today. I know a lot of cards are worth, a lot of money right now. So, a lot of guys are definitely getting into it. I know some of the NBA guys are getting it the right now, so it’s definitely growing. It’s not surprising that it’s growing, especially in such a fast way like this. So, it’s kind of exciting.

KS: How do you feel that the memorabilia industry being like this is a benefit to players such as yourself? 

DG: Oh, it’s super cool. I mean, just signing autographs for fans and young kids is always cool. I was always one of those kids growing up just trying to get a signed basketball, signed autographs. So, it’s cool that it’s growing. It gives us, like, another life outside of basketball and just, like, signing stuff for kids that they can just have and keep and cherish forever.

KS: You talked about autographs; do you remember the first time someone asked you to sign an autograph?

DG: Seventh grade here at Nationals. That’s my first. I signed an autograph, and I just printed my name. I didn’t know how to write in cursive back then.

KS: What memorabilia, if any, have you kept from your career so far?

DG: I have one of my rookie cards and I have a card from my dad from when he played for the Clippers.

KS: Have you ever asked any fellow players or celebrities for autographs or memorabilia?

DG: I got a couple of jerseys from some guys I used to watch growing up. Not going to give out any names, because I might have some buyers… auction out there. But, yeah, I definitely have a couple pieces, a couple jerseys. Got some signed shoes, so, yeah, I got a couple of things.

KS: All right, I’ll get you out of here on this question. You have an exclusive memorabilia deal with Upper Deck, why did you decide to partner with them in that regard?

DG: Well, it’s a great partnership. Everybody is super close knit. I think it’s one of the best card companies out there. So that’s why we want to.

 

Hobby Musings: Darius Garland at The National

 


Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on collecting in Hobby Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.

 

Kelsey Schroyer

Related Posts