1. ATHLETES TO WATCH: Young NBA Talent
As a result of the last NBA draft, there has been an insurgence of potentially young
superstars. This can be seen through the likes of Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, and
Dante Exum. These young studs haven’t even cracked the age of 21, yet they have
certainly proven themselves in their young basketball careers.
Andrew Wiggins, the son of a former basketball player and an Olympic sprinter, has
been known for his highflying dunks and freak athleticism. Wiggins, originally from
Canada, moved to the U.S., where he immediately began to dominate American
basketball. Wiggins would attend Kansas University, where he would become a
Naismith Award semi-finalist, all-American, and appear on the cover of Sports
Illustrated. Following his sole year in college, Wiggins declared for the 2014 NBA Draft.
On draft night, Wiggins was selected number one overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wiggins’ signing with the Cavaliers is particularly intriguing, due in part to the team’s
recent signing of Lebron James. Lebron James has the ability to draw double teams in
order to prevent him from scoring. Most teams will either draw their shooting guard or
power forward in order to stop the versatile James. The double-teaming of Lebron
would potentially leave Wiggins wide open and give him an opportunity to cut to the
basketball to receive the ball and make a spectacular dunk. Following the draft,
Wiggins had signed an endorsement deal with the sneaker brand Adidas. This is
probably not the only endorsement that Wiggins will receive in his NBA career. One
particular industry that would be a good pairing with Wiggins is the fashion industry.
On draft night, Wiggins sported a pretty snazzy tuxedo. Wiggins’ stated that he wanted
to stick out. With Wiggins’ stylistic attire, any formal clothing company would be a
great fit. As the NBA moves into the start of its new season, be prepared for Andrew
Wiggins and his play above the rim.
Jabari Parker, an alumni of Simeon Career Academy, the same high school that
produced the great Derrick Rose, is a 6’8” forward that has the rare ability to post-up,
drive to the rim, and shoot the outside shot. As a high school senior, Parker earned the
Gatorade and McDonald’s Player of the Year. Parker then took his talents to Durham,
North Carolina to play for the Duke Blue Devils. In his sole season of college, Parker
earned the USBWA National Freshman of the Year, was named an all-American, and
was the runner-up for the John R. Wooden Award (National Player of the Year).
Deciding to forgo his sophomore year, Parker declared for the 2014 NBA Draft. Parker
would be picked 2nd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks and would go on to shine in the
2014 NBA Summer League. Parker’s rare ability and young age (19 years young), have
already earned him an endorsement deal with Jordan Brand. Pretty soon, Jordan won’t
be the only endorsement for the young stud. Parker has been known to enjoy a great
deal of music, specifically the rap artist Jay-Z. A pairing of Parker and Jay-Z with a
headphone company, such as Beats Electronics, would be a highly marketable. Jabari
has also been known to enjoy the luxuries of fast sports cars, specifically Lamborghini.
A luxurious, yet fast car company would be a perfect match with Parker. Parker’s talent
should not be overlooked and come this NBA season, he won’t disappoint.

2. Dante Exum is a potential superstar that has dominated Australian basketball. Dante’s
father, Cecil Exum, was an American born basketball player that was apart of the 1982
UNC National Championship Team, that featured the likes of Michael Jordan and James
Worthy. Cecil Exum was eventually drafted in the 1984 NBA Draft, however his late
round selection wasn’t too enticing. Cecil decided to play in the Australian League
instead, where he would go on to be a star. Following his retirement, Cecil settled
down in Melbourne, Australia, where he would raise his son Dante Exum. Not many
people had a chance to see Dante Exum until the 2013 Nike Hoop Summit. At the highly
anticipated event, Exum and the World Select Team would go on to dismantle the USA
Junior Select Team. Exum had a highly successful game and would even impress many
of the sport’s great scouts. Following the Nike Hoop Summit, Exum would lead his high
school team to a national title. Exum would declare for the 2014 NBA Draft that
following year, where he would be selected 5th overall by the Utah Jazz. The mystery
and hype behind the Australian product would draw crowds during the Summer
League. Fans flocked to his games and filled the stands to try and catch a glimpse of the
international man of mystery. It is believed that come this NBA season, Exum will draw
large crowds, between television viewers and fan attendance at games, to see this
mysterious player. Adidas has already seen the potential in Exum (by signing him to a
deal) and pretty soon, so will the rest of the world.
All of these great players have three things in common:
1) They’ve proven themselves prior to any NBA action between college and high
school
2) They’re all under the age of 20
3) They all have signed multi-year endorsement deals with some of the top brands.
Wiggins, Parker, and Exum are all freak athletes that should not be missed this coming
NBA season.

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