Slobbythegreat (username on everything and anything) is 33, the same number his favourite player, Scottie Pippen, wore at the Chicago Bulls. Here at Gimko, we are very grateful to talk to one of the most well-known collectors in the world and share his collection with our users.
Slobby first got into trading cards through footy cards as he has always played the sport. Finding NBA trading cards in 1993, he was instantly all over it. Footy was quickly put to the side and basketball took over. These days, Slobby works as an HR Systems Development/Subject Matter Expert. After he pays out all his expenses, pretty much all of it goes into cards.
Current Collection:
I collected whatever I could from every brand. I split my cards up into every NBA team and used the team cards in UD as the first card on the page then a nice looking insert of that teams best player then all the player cards after that. After the teams were inserts and subsets of cool things I liked skylights subset and rookie standouts from both Ultra and UD. I had all my cards stuffed into a folder then one day at school they got stolen. I took a break for a few months and then decided to solely concentrate on Pippen.
My focus today is still the same. It’s Pippen or nothing. I don’t buy boxes or anything else for trade. It’s a waste of time. I’ve been collecting for 20 years and in that time I’ve busted 3 boxes. I got one for my birthday when I was 15 (Jam Session) a box of SP Game Used and Panini sent me a box of Prizm for free. If it’s not Pippen it’s not for me.
Views on the hobby:
I hate scumbag box busters who overcharge to make their money back. I hate idiots who think buying pieces of cardboard with guys on them is an “investment”. I hate everyone who DOESN’T ship to Australia. I hate BGS and their crap grading. I hate guys who overcharge me for Pippens. I hate Paypal fees. I hate eBay fees. I love Gimko!
1) What is your favourite card you own to date?
It’s not one but 3. It’s the mini set from 04/05 Exquisite. The Auto Jersey, Dual Jersey and Jersey cards are from by far the best and most expensive Exquisite product released. At one point I had 2 of the 5 Auto Jerseys.
2) What is the biggest card you have busted? What did you do with it?
It was a 94-95 Fleer Ultra Defensive Gems. I knew Pippen was in the Defensive Gems and they were 1 per box. I walked into our local card store the day of release and said to the girl behind the counter “I’ll have a Pippen Defensive Gems”. She handed me a pack and fricken boom! Pippen Defensive Gems. Killed the box and the best call ever!
3) How often do you buy or trade?
I don’t trade. I’vee got nothing to trade except sexual favours and last I checked there are no hot models with Pippens I need.
4) What is your biggest regret in the hobby?
When I first started buying international, I refused to pay more than 50 bucks for a card. That really hurt me because Pippen wasn’t as highly sought after back then and all of his cards were quite cheap. I’ve missed PMG’s, Star Rubies, Legacies, Grand Finale’s, Playmakers Theatres, Masterpieces all because I wouldn’t spend more than 50 bucks on a card. Worst decision ever!
5) What is your white whale? Did you ever see it or get an opportunity to own it? If yes to own, have you still got it?
It was the Ultimate Logoman that I missed when it initially sold for $740. I said to myself that I would own it next time it came up 
because I’d throw $1000 at it. It came up….. I threw a grand at it. And within 5 minutes I was out bid. It ended up selling for $4,500. The other one is the 97-98 Precious Metal Gems Green which I was lucky enough to land. I also have 2 of the reds.
6) Other than cards, do you collect anything else?
Boardshorts! Every summer I just buy boardies and boardies and boardies. Close to 50 pairs. I’ve been told I need to buy man clothes… won’t happen!
Thanks for your time Slobby! Once again, it’s great to talk to a proud Aussie with a world-renowned collection!
Here are some other highlights of Slobby’s Pippen collection:
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Until next month, happy collecting!
The Gimko Team