Monday, November 3, 2008

College Basketball Team Memorabilia

By Nadia Eshott

College basketball is a popular sport and big business. Countless dollars are spent within the industry, and the money isn't only going into the pockets of overpaid pro athletes.

The demand for college basketball apparel, memorabilia and footwear continues to grow. Fans of all ages purchase autographed caps to promote their favorite players, and they're taking a nostalgic turn and buying basketball jerseys of their own college teams. This demand is met by the modern generation of kids that live on the fashions launched by their favorite basketball stars.

At the onset of the NCAA tournament in March, demand for college basketball merchandise goes through the roof. Suddenly, every college basketball fan is shopping for college caps, jerseys, shorts, headbands, wristbands and team logo merchandise.

Basketball shoes are in particular demand, as all fans want to sport the shoes endorsed by their favorite athletes. Nike, Reebok and Adidas have all fueled this fire by marketing shoes named for popular basketball starts. Ever since Chuck Taylor endorsed his first pair of Converse sneakers back in 1923, children have been tirelessly pleading with parents to buy shoes carrying the name of their favorite athletes. The high voltage advertising that accompanies basketball game telecasts only fuels the "gotta-have" basketball fever.

Since the arrival of the Internet, college basketball merchandise has become even more widely accessible. Buyers can now purchase anything and everything online, from college flags, hats, banners, helmets and jackets to shoes, shorts, jewelry, watches and more. Autographed photographs of favorite college basketball athletes and photos from historic matches are easily found and purchased online. You can even buy a watch that was previously worn by your favorite coach or star player.

The Internet has made it extremely easy for fans to find basketball merchandise particularly associated with their choice of college. Some sites offer custom-made basketball uniforms, so a fan merely enters his or her size requirements to get a "regulation" jersey, jacket or shorts.

There are folding chairs available in college colors, stainless steel and pewter travel mugs, thermoses, snack helmets -- virtually anything you want is emblazoned with college basketball logos and ready to be picked up by hungry fans. Even desktops are getting into the college basketball merchandise groove, and the tech-savvy fan can now purchase an optical mouse in his or her choice of college colors.

An online auction site can be a great place to pick up college basketball merchandise. There are hundreds of retailers posting basketball memorabilia on these auction sites, waiting to sell to the highest bidder. Buyer, beware: if you're in the market for memorabilia you must bid with caution. There is an influx of fake memorabilia on the market. Always be sure to check the seller's return policy and customer feedback rating before you agree to make your purchase.

From the moment the big tourney kicks off in March, right through Christmas, college basketball merchandise means big money for marketers. Check any sporting goods store or search online and you'll never be short of great gift ideas for the college basketball fan in your life.

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