Stephen Curry

College Career: The Shooting Machine

In college, Curry was a force to be reckoned with. He led the Davidson Wildcats to the Sweet Sixteen in 2008 and set the NCAA single-season record for three-pointers made (162) during his sophomore year. His performance was so impressive that he was named Conference Player of the Year twice. In his second collegiate game, Curry scored an astounding 32 points and grabbed nine rebounds against Michigan. He broke Davidson’s freshman scoring record with 730 points in a single season.

Breaking Records

During his sophomore year, Curry set multiple records, including the most three-pointers made (158) and the most three-pointers against Kansas (159). He finished the season averaging 25.9 points per game, ranking second nationally among freshmen. His impact was so significant that he announced his return for a junior year after Davidson’s loss in the NCAA Regional Finals.

Professional Debut and Early Success

Curry’s professional journey began with the Golden State Warriors as the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft. His rookie season was marked by consistency, averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. In his second year, he averaged 18.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while setting a new Warriors single-season record for free throw percentage (.934).

Professional Career: The Golden State Era

The 2014-15 season was a turning point in Curry’s career. He won his first league MVP award and led the Warriors to their first championship since 1975. The following season, he became the first player to be elected MVP by unanimous vote, leading the league in scoring while shooting above 50-40-90.

Breaking Records

In the 2016-17 season, Curry set an NBA single-season three-point record with 272 three-pointers and averaged career highs of 24.0 points and 8.5 assists in 78 games. He became the third Warrior to win the award, joining Chris Mullin (November 1990 and January 1989) and Bernard King (January 1981). His historic season included scoring 54 points on February 27 at New York and 47 on April 12 at Los Angeles. In the playoffs, he averaged 23.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 12 games.

Postseason Dominance

The 2015-16 season saw Curry break multiple records in the playoffs. He scored a record 9 three-pointers in Game 4 of the second-round series against the Trail Blazers, an NBA record for points scored by an individual in overtime. The Warriors became the first 73-win team in NBA history, and Curry broke multiple records himself.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Off the court, Stephen Curry is a family man with his wife Ayesha and their three children: Riley, Canon, and Ryan. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including founding the ‘Why Not?’ foundation to support charitable organizations. His business ventures include partnerships with major brands like Nike, Apple, and Under Armour.

Philanthropy

In 2012, Curry started donating insecticide-treated mosquito nets for malaria prevention. In 2015, he wore shoes honoring Deah Shaddy Barakat and donated his prize vehicle to an East Oakland youth center. He also partnered with Under Armour to create signature shoes inspired by a comment about the Apollo program’s Moon landing, which raised money for STEM education initiatives.

Business Ventures

Curry has been involved in several business ventures, including a production company and a chain of restaurants. In 2018, he became CEO of Thirty Ink, a brand that focuses on creating unique experiences and opportunities for people through media, experiences, and philanthropy.

Award-Winning Career

Stephen Curry’s career is filled with accolades and records. He has won two NBA MVP awards (2015 and 2016), led the league in three-pointers made for eight consecutive seasons, and was named to multiple All-NBA teams. His impact on the game cannot be overstated; he has revolutionized how players approach the three-point line and inspired a shift towards a ‘pace and space’ style of play.

Stephen Curry is not just a player; he’s a symbol of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and innovation. His legacy in basketball is secure, and his influence on the sport will continue to resonate for generations to come.