Steph Curry is a household name and widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. But as a young prospect starring for an unfancied college side, he once shocked the basketball world – including LeBron James.
The Golden State Warriors icon has been one of the biggest named in the NBA for well over a decade now, with four titles to his name, as well as two Most Valuable Player awards, one Finals MVP and a well-earned reputation as the greatest shooter the sport has ever seen.
But Curry – despite being the son of an NBA player – was not always considered a sure-fire future star in the league.
At the college level, he had wanted to play for his father's old team at Virginia Tech, but he was not offered a scholarship.
Instead, he committed to the Davidson Wildcats, where he blossomed as an electric point guard with impressive shooting range. He was twice named the conference player of the year and was the NCAA Scoring Champion in 2009.
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Curry's greatest moment in collegiate basketball came during the 2009 NCAA Tournament.
As March Madness gripped the nation, Curry led Davidson on an unthinkable run to the Elite Eight.
James was the biggest star in the NBA at the time and, in attendance as Curry scored 33 points to see off Wisconsin in the previous round, was seen open-mouthed at courtside watching the Davidson guard's stellar display.
"Think he'll be good in the league?" James was asked after Curry's iconic performance.
"I think so," the four-time MVP responded.
"He knows how to play the game of basketball, being a son of a former NBA player Dell Curry he was taught well how to play.
"He has the talent.
"He's good, he's good. I was impressed."
Curry was chosen by the Warriors with the seventh overall pick in the NBA draft later that year. He earned his first title and first MVP six years later, by which time he had changed the way the game was played with his other-worldly shooting ability.
Topics: NBA, Basketball, Lebron James, Steph Curry
Ryan Baldi