I've never asked Davidson guard Stephen Curry (above) if he planned to return for his senior season at Davidson. So I have no idea whether he'll be back. I suspect he will not. He's accomplished all he can on the court. He has taken his team to places neither he nor they envisioned.
Davidson's season, and perhaps Curry's college career, ended early this morning in Moraga, Cal., near Berkeley, in loud, crazy McKeon Pavilion. Although this was an NIT game, the atmosphere was such that you'd think Davidson and St. Mary's were playing for the championship of the world. St. Mary's won 80-68.
Curry scored 26 points, but needed 27 field goal attempts to get them. He also had nine rebounds, five assists and not a lot of help. The other four starters shot 11 for 32, the reserves three for nine. Nobody else scored more than 10.
Curry loves Davidson. That's been evident in every conversation we've had. He's part of something that he'll carry with him the rest of his life.
He'll carry it with him even if he leaves this summer for the NBA.
Although Curry became a national phenomenon after almost leading the Wildcats to the 2008 Final Four, after being discovered by LeBron James and after becoming the face of college basketball and the great hope for underdogs everywhere, he remained the same smiling, courteous, unpretentious guy he had been before his NCAA run began.
Around him, even pessimists dared to hope.
Whatever he does, we'll continue to watch and we'll continue to pull for him.
Good luck, Stephen.
I am a truly a basketball fan from the Michael Jordan days - who attended UNC and is my favorite team. Stephen has put Davidson on the map as far as sports is concerned....I knew Davidson was there as I am a North Carolian, but I never thought of sports and Davidson in the same breath. I will be watching Stephen as he has grown to be one of my favorite basketball players. He had such great parents to make him a star inside and out.
Posted by: Anne Bradsher | March 24, 2009 at 12:08 PM
I don't think Curry will leave Davidson. I have a son who attends Davidson, I have been in the environment to see how the students love their school. It such a close communnity of students. I just cannot see him leaving that environment one year early. Its not like he needs the money one year earlier, surely, mom and dad will continue to support him.
Posted by: James | March 24, 2009 at 12:56 PM
I hope Steph stays at Davidson for a purely selfish reason - I love to see him play! He has contributed so much to college basketball. I think if he turns pro one year early, he will end up on the bench like JJ Redick. NBA coaches are not like Coach K and McKillop. They do not CARE about their players - just the money. But if Steph stays at Davidson, his parents need to be sure he has enough insurance in case he gets hurt. I remember the laughs when Laetner's Dad insured his legs. This was a very smart move as far as I am concerned. Laetner stayed at Duke, got his degree, won a Final Four, made lots of money and bought most of the city of Durham!
Again, I hope Steph stays and graduates from Davidson.
Posted by: annnort1 | March 24, 2009 at 03:03 PM
If you shoot 27 times you should have AT LEAST 40 points.
Posted by: Darrell | March 24, 2009 at 03:30 PM
I'd like to see you try scoring 40 points in 27 shots, Darrell. Unguarded. Forget the fact he gets double teamed by every guard combo he plays against.
Posted by: Zach | March 24, 2009 at 05:07 PM
I see Steph staying one more year @ Davidson as Seth moves from Big South to Southern to join his big brother for his Senior Year.
Posted by: Jon in DC | March 25, 2009 at 01:14 PM