Thanks everyone for the info!!
My Dad grew up in a small suburb right outside of Philly so it is possible he was able to get a hand cut card. Although he would have been 4 years old in 1948. His collection that was not thrown out contains multiple cards (mostly baseball and football) from 1952 to 56 that is why this single 1948 basketball card always puzzled me. Great to have more of the back story