The Rise of Stephen Curry: From Underdog to NBA Superstar

Growing up as the son of a famous and wealthy NBA player, Dell Curry, Wardell Stephen Curry II was always involved with basketball in one way or another. When Steph was young, he would always attend his father’s games and practice his shots during the warmups with the team. Dell taught him how to play the game and shoot properly, becoming the foundation of his legendary shot today. 

Stephen Curry was undersized in high school compared to his teammates and competition. Because of this, many colleges did not seek him out as a high-ranking recruit. But even with his disadvantage, he excelled in the sport and led Charlotte Christian High School to three conference titles and three state playoff appearances. As he was overlooked by all the top basketball programs in the country he caught the attention of Davidson College. 

As a freshman at Davidson College, he made a big impact on his team, winning the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year award. He also set the NCAA freshman record for threes in a season. In his sophomore year, he led his team to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament and had many 30-point games. In his last year at Davidson, he became the NCAA’s top scorer, averaging 28.6 points a game that season. Due to his performance on the court, he declared for the 2009 NBA draft.

In the 2009 NBA Draft, Stephen Curry was selected 7th overall by the Golden State Warriors. Despite being overlooked by many due to his smaller size and unconventional style, Curry quickly silenced his critics. His ability to shoot from incredible distances, even early in his career, set him apart. Over time, he didn’t just improve his game—he transformed the way basketball was played.

Curry’s impact became undeniable during the 2015 NBA season when he led the Warriors to their first championship in 40 years and was named the league’s MVP. The following season, he took his game to new heights by setting an NBA record with 402 three-pointers in a single season, an achievement that seemed impossible before his rise. His deep shooting range forced teams to rethink their defensive strategies, stretching the floor and creating opportunities for his teammates.

This shift, known as the “Curry Effect,” went beyond the NBA. Players worldwide began focusing on three-point shooting, inspired by Curry’s success. Courts everywhere saw kids and adults attempting deep shots, proving that basketball was no longer just about size or athleticism—it was about skill, precision, and creativity.

Curry’s influence reshaped the game, turning the three-pointer into a core strategy in modern basketball. More importantly, he inspired a generation to dream big, work hard, and believe that even the most unconventional approach could change the world of sports.