Obtaining top-flight players has become a mission for Phillips after the Mets' surprisingly good season in 1997.

At the least, they will have about $18 million with which to attract two top-flight players in the off-season - more than any other team.

By the time he was 18 he was already a top-flight player belonging to a very small elite.

A larger issue might be whether the friendly and humble Curry has the ambition to be a top-flight player.

The Knicks realize he will have to be involved in any deal that brings them a top-flight player.

He has fewer top-flight players to choose from than other managers.

There were some top-flight players that left New Jersey, but he got a good bunch locally.

For the top-flight players, the answer is easy.

With Kidd playing a huge role in his development, Martin has become a top-flight player, averaging 16.7 points and 8.3 rebounds last season.

Featherstone currently represents many top-flight players and is involved in high-profile football deals.