HOW TO SPOT A FUTURE STAR
Every season there’s a new ‘next big thing’. They’re fitter, stronger and, as we often hear, “ready to win”. Feeding the top tier, there’s a never-ending conveyor belt of young hopefuls among the mini tours jostling for a breakthrough, all looking to take that next step – and perhaps even score a career-changing sponsorship deal with a manufacturer which could help kick-start their journey. The brands are watching; they’re always on the lookout, searching for fresh talent and assessing potential. There’s a certain strategy involved – and it’s not simply about splashing the cash.
In the NBA or NHL, when players go to Combine – a scouting exercise in front of top coaches – they are put through all manner of tests, designed to determine where they are at with their game. These aren’t just physical
