Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry goes back to school at Davidson

Courtesy: San Jose Mercury News
By Marcus Thompson II
mthomps2@bayareanewsgroup.com

Stephen Curry has gone back to school during the NBA lockout.

Stephen Curry strolled in late for an interview at the Davidson College newspaper last month, a look of disinterest on his face. With an iPod earbud attached to one ear, the Warriors point guard sent text messages as he answered questions and even interrupted the interview to take a call.

Then, suddenly, Curry burst into laughter, his attempt at playing the part of a bigheaded sports star gone awry.

"Steph tried to punk us," said Andrew Barna, co-sports editor of The Davidsonian. "But he could only last three minutes because he is such a nice and down-to-earth guy."

Clearly, Curry is right where he belongs. He could be playing overseas, earning back some of the money he is losing during the NBA lockout. He could be using this time to hang out, travel, or play video games. Instead, Curry, 23, is back on his old stamping grounds at Davidson, finishing up a degree in sociology.

"It's about finishing what I started," Curry said.

Going back to school may sound noble considering the pampered, diva label often affixed to NBA players. But in Curry's world, such a decision was "not a big deal." And that probably explains why transitioning back into school has been as smooth as his jump shot.

"I was excited, but I really wasn't surprised," said Curry's mom, Sonya. "It's a big deal to get a Davidson degree. And that's the expectation that (Davidson) Coach Bob McKillop set -- that his players graduate. I didn't want my baby being the only one who didn't."

The lockout has afforded Curry a rare opportunity to knock out a bulk of classes at Davidson, which is in Charlotte, N.C. So instead of signing to play internationally, where he could make money and expand his fame globally, Curry is back on the scholastic grind.

Offseason surgery in May to repair two ligaments in his right ankle made the decision to avoid full-time basketball easier. Curry's ankle is still not 100 percent, though he was cleared for full activity on Sept. 14.

Still, Curry said he would've gone to college even if the ankle were healthy. The opportunity to secure his degree, he said, is more fulfilling than the money or the experience he would get playing overseas.

If the lockout ends suddenly, Curry might have to drop the books and head to training camp, withdrawing from his classes. If that scenario played out late enough in the semester, he could possibly work out an arrangement with his professors.

"Since I'm so close, it's important to finish," said Curry, who after this semester will have one class and his senior thesis left to complete his bachelor's degree. "I don't know that I will have this opportunity again. I told my coach and my parents I'd finish eventually. They assumed I would take one summer class a year for the next seven years. But that wasn't going to happen."

Things are different this time around at Davidson for Curry. Two years removed from school, he is older and married, tying the knot with longtime girlfriend Ayesha Alexander on July 30.

These days, Curry makes the 45-minute commute to campus in his Mercedes rather than experiencing the joys of dorm life. He also enjoys much more anonymity walking across campus than he did in 2008, when he led Davidson on its Cinderella run to the NCAA Elite Eight.

To be sure, he's still popular, though.

"It's awesome to walk (across campus) and see someone you've seen in video games," Davidson sophomore Sam Trawick told The Davidsonian.

But what might surprise those who don't know Curry is how he blends in. Despite being an NBA star among coeds, Curry has managed to keep a low profile on campus. No entourage. No fancy jewelry or sunglasses worn in class. Normal college kid attire: a backpack, T-shirt and shorts.

Curry's courses -- history of education, medical sociology and a research class -- make for a busy Tuesday/Thursday schedule. But, similar to his mindset on the basketball court, Curry is fully engaging himself and focused on being a good teammate.

"He does a fabulous job interacting with students," said Jessica Taft, one of Curry's sociology professors. "He's just one of the students. He adds a lot to the classroom. It says a lot about what of person he is. It says something about his commitment to education."

When he's done with class, Curry heads over to the gym to work out with the men's basketball team. In addition to helping McKillop prepare the Wildcats for the season, Curry is strengthening his ankle and polishing his game.

On his way to the gym, he may sign an autograph or two or chat about the good old days. And he might even prank an unsuspecting fan. But it's clear Curry is back where his NBA stardom was launched for bigger reasons than basketball. It's about finishing something important to him when the chance was presented.

As he said, "I had an opportunity to get it done."

Curry also took out some time during the lockout to pose for pictures with noobs.