As a longtime basketball memorabilia collector with over 200 jerseys in my personal collection, I've developed what some might call an unhealthy obsession with finding the perfect game-worn pieces. There's something magical about holding a jersey that's actually been through the battles on the court - the sweat stains, the slight tears, that unique smell of hardwood and ambition that never quite washes out. When I first learned about Jolo Manansala's transformation from being primarily known as a defensive specialist to expanding his offensive repertoire at National University, it immediately brought to mind how we collectors evaluate players and their jerseys differently as their careers evolve.

I remember attending a National U game last season where Manansala's defensive hustle literally changed the momentum - he had 3 steals and 2 blocks in just 12 minutes of play. Those are the kinds of performances that make me specifically hunt for jerseys from particular games. The thing about defensive specialists like Manansala is that their jerseys often tell more interesting stories than those of pure scorers. You'll find more wear around the shoulders and arms, sometimes even small bloodstains from diving for loose balls. I've noticed that collectors tend to undervalue these "hustle players" initially, but their jerseys often appreciate significantly once people recognize their true impact on games.

When I'm evaluating an A&M basketball jersey for my collection, I always consider three key factors that go beyond just the player's name and number. First, there's the authenticity verification - and trust me, I've learned this the hard way after getting burned on what turned out to be a fake jersey back in 2018. Authentic A&M jerseys should have specific stitching patterns, and the material should feel right - not too heavy, not too light. The second factor is game usage evidence. I personally prefer jerseys that show moderate wear because they tell a better story than either pristine jerseys or completely battered ones. My third consideration is historical significance, which brings me back to Manansala. His evolving role at National U makes his jerseys particularly interesting to collect right now because we're potentially capturing the early stages of a player expanding his game.

The market for college basketball jerseys has changed dramatically in the past five years. Where we used to see maybe 20-30 serious collectors regularly bidding on A&M pieces, now there are easily 150-200 collectors in the market, driving prices up by approximately 40% since 2019. This makes strategic collecting more important than ever. When I spot a player like Manansala who's developing new aspects to his game, I try to acquire jerseys from that transitional period. These often become the centerpieces of collections because they represent growth and potential rather than established stardom.

What many new collectors don't realize is that defensive specialists' jerseys often have better provenance than those of star players. Because these players aren't typically getting multiple uniform changes per season, their jerseys see more court time. I've documented that defensive-oriented players' jerseys average 28.7 games of wear compared to 19.3 for primary scorers. That means you're getting more history, more stories in each piece. The wear patterns tell you about their style - Manansala's jerseys, for instance, typically show significant stretching around the chest and shoulder areas from his physical defensive stance.

I've developed relationships with several equipment managers over the years, and they've shared fascinating insights about how jerseys are assigned and maintained. At programs like A&M, defensive specialists often request tighter-fitting jerseys that are less likely to be grabbed by opponents. This affects how the jerseys age and what collectors should look for. The material composition has also changed - modern A&M jerseys are approximately 67% polyester and 33% nylon, compared to the 50-50 blend used just five years ago. This affects how sweat stains set and how the numbers adhere to the fabric.

My personal approach to collecting has evolved to focus on narrative value rather than just market value. A Manansala jersey from his early defensive specialist days tells one story, while one from his current expanded role tells another chapter. Both have tremendous value, but to different types of collectors. I tend to prefer the transitional pieces - like if I could find a Manansala jersey from exactly when he started demonstrating more offensive confidence. Those moments are gold for serious collectors.

The financial aspect can't be ignored either. While I collect primarily for passion, it's satisfying when pieces appreciate. Defensive specialists' jerseys typically see a 15-20% value jump when they expand their roles offensively, based on my tracking of 42 similar players over the past decade. This makes timing crucial - acquiring before the broader collecting market recognizes the transformation. Right now, Manansala represents exactly that kind of opportunity.

Preservation techniques matter tremendously too. I've learned through trial and error that proper storage can maintain or even enhance a jersey's value. The humidity level should stay between 45-55%, and direct sunlight is obviously the enemy. I made the mistake early in my collecting career of using standard plastic containers, only to discover they can off-gas and damage fabrics. Now I use acid-free boxes and rotate my displayed pieces every three months to prevent uneven fading.

At the end of the day, collecting A&M basketball jerseys combines historical preservation, personal passion, and sometimes profitable investing. The key is developing an eye not just for what's valuable today, but for what will tell the most compelling stories tomorrow. Players like Jolo Manansala, who grow and adapt their games, create the most interesting collection narratives. Their jerseys become physical representations of basketball development - not just fabric and thread, but woven stories of dedication and transformation. That's what keeps me hunting for that next perfect addition to my collection, the piece that will make all the other collectors wonder why they didn't see it coming.