The NBA’s top player and likely MVP winner Stephen Curry hit the big 28 on Monday, so for his special day, let’s dive into 28 intriguing facts about him.
1. Despite being known as Stephen or Steph, his full name is actually Wardell Stephen Curry II. According to a Q&A with Warriors World, he was named after his dad, and his closest pals still call him by his original name.
2. Believe it or not, this basketball legend was born in Akron, Ohio.
Curry and LeBron James share a unique connection as they were both born in the same city and even in the same hospital, as reported by NBC Bay Area. His family background is steeped in athleticism, with his dad Dell playing in the NBA for 16 seasons and his mom Sonya excelling in college volleyball. Sports talent seems to run in the family, with his sister Sydel playing volleyball at Elon University. Aside from basketball, Curry is also a talented golfer, showcasing his skills on the golf course with an impressive two-under par round at Pebble Beach. Known for his sharpshooting, he holds records for three-pointers in both the NBA and NCAA. Beyond sports, Curry is actively involved in charity work, including efforts to combat malaria by distributing bed nets to families in need. Interestingly, he also had a stint as a child star in a Burger King commercial.
9. The point guard, despite being a seasoned NBA player and an MVP, still has a playful agreement with his mom. For every turnover he commits after the third in a game, he must pay her a $100 fine. So, the more turnovers he has, the heavier the toll on his wallet.
10. His basketball journey began around age five, and now, more than two decades later, he stands at the forefront of a new era in the sport.
11. If a movie were ever made about him, he envisions Denzel Washington playing his character. It may be a stretch to imagine the seasoned actor portraying the basketball star, but hey, stranger things have happened.
12. Surprisingly enough, his biggest fear is snakes. But with his skill and agility on the court, it’s safe to say the snakes have more to fear from him than he does from them.
13. The talented player is a father of two daughters. Riley, his eldest, stole the spotlight during his press conferences last season. His younger daughter, Ryan, entered the world in 2015 and is set to follow in her father’s impressive footsteps.
14. His top annoyance is when individuals sneeze without covering their nose, followed closely by criticism from retired NBA stars.
15. During his youth, his favorite NBA player was Muggsy Bogues, the league’s shortest player ever and a former teammate of his father.
16. Once, he discovered a wallet containing $160 and made sure to return it. When the owner recognized him, he requested an autograph after realizing who he was.
17. He accomplished his first basketball dunk while in his freshman year at Davidson University.
18. His initial date with his wife took place on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, where they shared experiences like finding the Marilyn Monroe statue and sipping chai tea lattes.
19. Among his preferred films are “The Princess Diaries” and “A Walk to Remember,” suggesting a soft spot for romantic movies.
20. As the longest-serving member of the Golden State Warriors, having been drafted in 2009, he boasts the most extended tenure on the team.
21. A cherished childhood moment for him is when he got the opportunity to take the stage with hip-hop duo Kris Kross.
22. Despite not being offered a scholarship by any prominent Division I school, he received offers from Davidson, VCU, and Winthrop.
23. He wears the number 30 in homage to his father.
24. An encounter with Kevin Durant at an AAU event at 10 years old left an impression on both players, with Durant recalling the young Curry’s impressive shooting skills.
25. His television show of choice is “How to Get Away With Murder,” fitting for someone dubbed the “Babyfaced Assassin.”
26. His guilty pleasure is indulging in candy, particularly Maynards, a Canadian fuzzy peach treat.
27. If given the chance, he would swap places with golfer Rory McIlroy, showcasing his fondness for the sport.
28. When browsing online, he frequents websites like USATODAY.com, Twitter, ESPN.com, and Sports Illustrated, sharing his go-to sources for sports news.