Stephen Curry’s extraordinary journey to basketball superstardom is artfully captured in the newly released documentary, “Stephen Curry: Underrated.” The film is now available for streaming on Apple TV+ and will hit select theaters on Friday, July 21.
In an interview with TODAY.com, the 35-year-old Curry shares that the title “Underrated” truly encapsulates his story, encompassing his experiences as a high school athlete aspiring to play for a prominent ACC school but ultimately finding his place at Davidson, a small Division I college in his home state of North Caroline.
This period in Stephen Curry’s life, marked by being overlooked by powerhouse colleges, served as the force for him to launch his own “Underrated” tour for high school players, aiming to empower and inspire young talents who might be facing similar challenges.
Through this documentary and his efforts, curry continues to impact the lives of aspiring athletes and encourages them to embrace their unique paths to success.
Where the Idea Came From
According to Curry, the idea of the documentary can be traced back to 2018, as the 10th anniversary of his and Davidson’s remarkable journey to the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight approached.
The film, co-produced by his Unanimous Media company and renowned director Ryan Coogler of “Black Panther” and “Creed” fame, with Peter Nicks as the director, was born out of this milestone. The documentary dives deep into his inspiring story, showcasing the incredible talent, determination, and resilience that have shaped him into the basketball player he is today.
Parental Influence
An integral part of Stephen Curry’s remarkable journey is his parents, both with athletic backgrounds that influenced his path. His father, Dell Curry, made his mark as a sharpshooter for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets during the 1990s, while his mother, Sonya Curry, was a former volleyball player.
The support and encouragement from his parents, not only for him but also for his siblings – brother Seth, who also plays in the NBA- were paramount. They instilled in their children the values of hard work and dedication, emphasizing the importance of pursuing their paths to achieve their goals.
Their consistent message resonated deeply, particularly for him, as he navigated the challenges of living in the shadow of his father’s NBA legacy. Their unwavering support and belief in his abilities allowed him to embrace his unique journey and to know that he was capable of creating his path.
His Growth
Throughout his journey to becoming an all-time great, Curry consistently emphasizes that his current success may seem effortless, but it is rooted in years of preparation and hard work. Once again reminding everyone that he remains driven by the early doubts and slights he faced. The perception of being too scrawny and not good enough fueled his determination to prove the doubters wrong.
The documentary intertwines Stephen Curry’s pursuit of his college degree, a promise he made to his mother, and a prerequisite for having his jersey retired by his beloved alma mater. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect: Necks captures the 2021-2022 season, during which Curry achieved numerous milestones.
He set the NBA record for career three-pointers, led the Golden State Warriors to their fourth NBA title, earned his first Finals MVP honors, and collected his diploma from Davidson.
Conclusion
Stephen Curry describes the documentary as a “cool kind of timepiece,” that captures the essence of his three unforgettable years at Davidson, a period he fondly refers to as “truly special.” The film delves into the profound connection he shares with the school, which was further strengthened last year when he achieved a significant milestone, graduating with a degree in sociology, a remarkable 13 years after he was selected in the NBA draft.
This ongoing bond with Davidson highlights the deep-rooted impact the college had on shaping his journey, both as a player and as an individual. In addition to retracing his early basketball journey and college days, Curry’s goal for the documentary was to create an inspiring, uplifting, and educational experience, not just for the viewers but also for himself.
He found immense joy in listening to the accounts of his career path “through the stories of my coaches, teammates, people from the Davidson community, and those who witnessed my growth in Charlotte.” The film not only celebrates his journey but also pays tribute to the individuals and communities that played a significant role in shaping him into the figure he is today.
Check out more NBA news.
