In this week's top five, we're taking a look into the future. These are the top five Philadelphia athletes under the age of 25. Some have made this list on production, while some get on here by potential alone. Either way, these should be the guys we're all talking about in 3 or 4 years time.
5. Danny Mwanga - Philadelphia Union - 18 years old - The brand new Philadelphia Union made Mwanga the No. 1 overall pick of the MLS Superdraft. He was born in the Congo and moved to America when he was 14 where he quickly was recognized as a soccer talent. He was given a scholarship to play at Oregon State University, where he won Pac-10 freshman of the year, Pac-10 player of the year, and second team All-America honors. So far he has made eight appearances for the Union and scored four goals, all of which have come very late in games. If a European club doesn't snap him up, he could be headed for stardom in MLS. There's also a chance he could play for the U.S. National Team one day.
4. Domonic Brown - Phillies - 22 years old - The first of two guys on the list that haven't actually played in Philadelphia yet, Brown makes the list as the crown jewel of the Phillies minor league system. In fact, Brown was recently named the top prospect in all of baseball by ESPN. Keith Law had this to say about the future Phils' outfielder.
Is there anything he can't do? He's destroying everything in his path in Double-A and is probably just some defensive refinements away from being big league ready. I don't think he's next off the list to the big leagues, but with Raul Ibanez providing below-average offense and defense in left, I'd have to think the Phils are looking at Brown for a second-half call-up.
3. Evan Turner - 76ers - 21 years old - Despite not even playing in Philly yet, Turner makes the list after being selected No. 2 overall in this year's NBA Draft. He brings with him to Philly a great nickname, "The Villian," and a nice list of awards including National Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. The 6-foot-7 shooting guard is expected to be the guy to help lead the Sixers back to respectability and could give the team it's best backcourt combo in a decade paired with second year man Jrue Holliday. Oh, and he appears to have ice running through his veins.
2. Claude Giroux - Flyers - 22 years old - In his first full season with the Flyers, Giroux had a respectable 16 goals with 31 assists, but it was his playoff performance which vaulted him onto this list and made him one of the most important pieces on the Flyers' team going forward. Giroux scored 10 goals with 11 assists for 21 points in 23 games as a pivotal player for the Flyers wild 2010 playoff run. His penchant for big goals and elite passing ability would have had him in the discussion for the Conn Smythe had the Flyers won it all. His shootout goal to put the Flyers into the playoffs was one the great moments of last season.
1. DeSean Jackson - Eagles - 23 years old - Jackson is the only player on this list to make an all-star game at the pro level, consequently he's an obvious choice for No. 1 among the top five under 25. There's a decent argument to be made that Jackson isn't just the Eagles' best young player, but their best player period. Last year he tied the all time NFL record for 50-plus yard TDs in a year and accounted for 12 total TDs last year receiving, running, and returning. Plus, he's got his own song!
Honorable mentions: Jrue Holiday, James van Reimsdyk, Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Kolb, LeSean McCoy.
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