Not a big man’s game anymore – Curry

MANILA, Philippines – There are many things common to Steph Curry and LeBron James. They were born in the same hospital, Akron General Medical Center, 45 minutes away from where Curry led the Golden State Warriors to the title-clinching 105-97 win in Game 6 of the NBA Finals over James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena last June. They’ve been honored as NBA MVPs and won NBA championships. They’ve played on the US team and visited Manila this year.

But the similarities end where the contrasts begin. Curry, 27, enrolled at Davidson College for three years while James, 30, turned pro directly from high school. Curry was the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft and James was the top choice in 2003. Two years ago, they parted ways as product endorsers – Nike declined to match an offer to Curry by Under Armour and James remained an iconic symbol with the Swoosh brand. And they’re distinct physical specimens. Curry is a 6-3, 190-pound guard while James is a 6-8, 240-pound forward.

If basketball is a big man’s game, then James is a perfect fit. But in the course of his overnight visit to Manila last weekend, Curry – described a pixie by Sports Illustrated writer Lee Jenkins – said emphatically it’s not a big man’s game anymore. The hardware he earned in the NBA Finals proves his contention. In fact, he brought the Larry O’Brien championship trophy to town during his visit, probably as a gentle reminder that there’s a place for small men in the NBA.

“It doesn’t matter how tall you are or how short you are, what matters is your heart,” said Curry in a Star interview at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati the other day. “It’s the will to be successful. Obviously, the guys who aren’t blessed with physical stature like myself have to work a little bit harder so we fight an uphill battle in that sense. There are different ways to impact a game. It’s about being well-rounded in what you do on the court in ballhanding, shooting and other things.”

Curry said growing up, it was tough breaking out of his father Dell’s shadow. “The challenge was to create your own story, be your own player,” he said. “My dad and I play differently. We both like to shoot the ball but we go about it in different ways. I like to break guys down and use creativity. I just work hard to be prepared for any situation. I was in high school in the same city where my dad made his mark so there were a lot of eyeballs.”

Curry recalled his father, who hit 40.2 percent from beyond the arc throughout his 16-year NBA career, talking about his participation at the FIBA World Clubs Championships in Spain in 1985. “I’ve seen videos and his jersey from that tournament,” said Curry. He was surprised to find out that his father played against the Philippines in that joust and was more surprised that San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Chip Engelland, once Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s shooting mentor, was on the Philippine team. “Small world, right?” he said. “Basketball really causes people to come together from different parts of the world.” Curry’s father played on the US Select team, called the Golden Eagles, with David Robinson, Chuck Person, Rafael Addison, Larry Krystkowiak and Keith Morrison. The Philippines, coached by Ron Jacobs, was bannered by Engelland, Hector Calma, Allan Caidic, Samboy Lim, Franz Pumaren, Elmer Reyes, Jun Tan, Yves Dignadice, Alfie Almario, Tonichi Yturri, Dennis Still and Jeff Moore. The US beat the Philippines, 81-73.

Curry said he plans to play for the US at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics next year. He’s won gold medals with the US team at the FIBA World Cup in 2010 and 2014 but never at the Olympics. “For sure, I hope to be in Rio and we’ll see what happens,” he said. “Rio is definitely a goal of mine for this coming season. Being part of the Olympics is something I want to experience and I’ll work hard to get there.” James, on the other hand, has played at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics and the 2006 FIBA World Cup.

Regarding Under Armour, Curry said he was involved in the design of his signature shoes Curry I and Curry II “all the way.” From the first sketches until the shoes came to life, he played a major role. “The innovation and technology we put into both shoes make a great product,” he said. “You’ll find comfort. The shoes are sturdy and you’ll perform well on the court. Where I like to give the most input is in the colorways and the storytelling behind each shoe. A little of my personality comes out and that’s the part I like to see.”

Curry showed up for the interview wearing a Muhammad Ali tribute shirt commemorating the 1975 historic heavyweight fight known as the “Thrilla In Manila.” He said he wanted to wear a shirt with a Manila flavor. That led to a question about Manny Pacquiao and a mention that Freddie Roach wears Under Armour apparel. “Manny’s a Warriors fan,” he said. “He came to the Bay Area and played a pick-up game at our practice facility last year. Under Armour has athletes from across the world in different sports. I’m happy to be part of that team. Under Armour’s growing like crazy and it’s great to be part of it.”

With Curry turning the last NBA Finals into his personal theater of triumph, Jenkins wrote that he is now the face of basketball. “Six years ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted two point guards in the lottery, passing on Curry both times,” he said. “Four years ago, Warriors coach Keith Smart used Acie Law in the fourth quarter of games, believing the team was better off with Curry on the bench. Today, he is the face of basketball, furthering the quaint notion that anyone with a Spalding, a hoop and a ravenous hunger can vanquish LeBron James. You can be 6-3, 190. You don’t have to look like a superhero. It is a sweet sentiment, though, Curry is no less a superhero than James. Curry’s secret power – sublime hand-eye coordination – is just harder to detect. If James is a blunt weapon, Curry is a finely tuned instrument.”

Curry has made a strong case for the undersized players in basketball.