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The 2005 Ford Mustang presents breakout stars 2005

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004

Marquis Daniels, 23

Undrafted and undaunted

NBA teams rifled through 58 draft picks in 2003, taking obscure high schoolers, giants from Europe and Hong Kong and little guys from France. But they all passed on Daniels, a 6-6 speedster who was second in the SEC in scoring during his senior year at Auburn. Daniels was signed by the Mavericks before the 2003-04 season, and injuries forced him into the rotation. Then his talent forced him into the starting five.

The Mavs, after only one season, were convinced Daniels would be a star and gave him a six-year contract. With Steve Nash gone and Michael Finley aging, Dallas is retooling its lineup around Dirk Nowitzki and Daniels, who never again will be overlooked.

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SNAP DECISIONS "For the backdrop, I chose Fountain Place, a glass creation that is instantly identifiable as a piece of the Dallas skyline;' says staff photographer Robert Seale. "To get the shot, we had to talk the Mavs into ferrying Marquis across downtown from the American Airlines Center to the top of a nearby parking garage with a view of the giant green glass prism. I sold them on the idea by telling them, 'The only building more identifiable as a Dallas architectural icon is the School Book Depository, and you don't want me to photograph him there, do you?'"

Steven Jackson, 21

Built to run

With 496 yards on the ground this season, Jackson has turned what was a disappointing draft day--he was the 24th pick overall--into a solid start to an NFL career. "Five, 10 years from now, Fm expecting to be that guy people look back at and say, 'How did this guy drop that far?'" Jackson says. "But I don't go out with a chip on my shoulder. I am an aggressive player as it is."

He is a near-perfect balance of brawn and finesse, a physical specimen who can run around, past or through defenders. He also can catch a pass, block and, perhaps most important in St. Louis, comprehend a complicated offense. He already has established himself as an important part of that offense, and with starter Marshall Faulk nearing 32 and finishing another season in which he has been slowed by injuries, Jackson will be the focal point soon. Very soon.

PHOTO SYNTHESIS "The smile on Jackson's face reflects his attitude toward his rookie season;' says chief photographer Albert Dickson. "His aggressiveness and bruising running style are in great contrast to his calm, gentle demeanor off the field"

Sidney Crosby, 17

A new great one

He's the best player since Mario (Lemieux)," none other than Wayne Gretzky told the Arizona Republic. As if that's not enough, Gretzky added that Crosby could break 99's records. Do we have your attention now?

While playing for the Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Crosby is drawing fans to the rink as if it's providing a feast during a famine. As a 16-year-old rookie last season, Crosby ran away with the QMJHL scoring title, scored more points than Mario did at the same age in the same league and was named the best player in junior hockey. He has an edge; he can skate; he can score; he can make plays. Scouts are calling him the consensus No. 1 pick in the next NHL draft, whenever that might be. Considering the state of the NHL these days, Crosby isn't the next big thing in hockey--he's the only thing.

BIG SHOT "Sidney is easygoing and mature for his age," says staff photographer Jay Drowns. "He was very willing to make time in his schedule to meet with me on the shore of the St. Lawrence River, wearing his hockey gear to pose for the photo. He is humble about his talent and unassuming about the future. To him, everything is yet to be earned."

B.J. Upton, 20, and Justin Upton, 17

Rays of light

B.J. Upton is in a hurry. At 17, he was the second pick in the amateur draft. At 18, he was in Class AA. At 19, he was in the Devil Rays' lineup. Next up: stardom. Upton showed enough hitting and speed in 45 big-league games last season to make sure he'll be a key part of the Devil Rays' plans for this season. They just have to find the right position for him. Upton struggled at shortstop and might be moved to third base.

They'd also like to find a spot for another Upton, B.J.'s younger brother, Justin. A high school senior in Chesapeake, Va., Justin is the country's No. 1 high school prospect according to Baseball America. Chances are he won't last until the eighth pick, which will belong to the Rays next June.

SEEING DOUBLE "B.J. arrived first at the baseball field in a shiny, black Mercedes SUV. He climbed out of the truck with a cell phone to his ear," says staff photographer Bob Leverone. "Then Justin pulled up in an equally shiny, white Cadillac SUV. Out jumped Justin, and out popped the cell phone. I had Justin sit on top of second base, with B.J. crouching behind him. Justin wanted to look serious. B.J. whispered between camera clicks, trying to get Justin to lose his composure and smile."

The 2005 Ford Mustang presents breakout stars 2005

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004

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