In the world of professional sports, athletes receive heavy criticism from fans if they underperform. Because they support their favorite team with full dedication and passion. So they feel bad when their favorite team loses. Not only fans but even teammates sometimes get irritated due to their teammate’s lack of support. A similar instance happened when Curry was representing Team USA in the U-19 FIBA World Cup.
He was just a 19-year-old kid who was still perfecting his game. But on a recent podcast, Stephen Curry’s USA teammate recalls all his missed 3-pointers reminiscent of the hard-fought loss in the 2007 FIBA U-19 World Cup.
U-19 FIBA World Cup final
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The FIBA U19 World Cup Final, featuring future stars from the United States and Serbia, was one such epic matchup that left a lasting effect on both countries’ basketball history. The atmosphere was set for a fierce duel between two basketball powerhouses, and the hosts took advantage of the opportunity to win 74-69. It was an exciting victory for Serbia, inspired by the emotion of their home audience. The setback of the American team was sad, but it led to amazing opportunities for many players.
The lineup from that USA squad was a look into the future. Players like Patrick Beverley made headlines in European competitions before creating a name for himself in the NBA. Michael Beasley was the team’s second-leading scorer. He continued to excel and was selected by Miami with the second overall choice in the NBA Draft. DeAndre Jordan was one player on the squad who had a remarkable journey. With his sheer dominance as a center, he managed to win a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics.
Read More: Eyeing a Warriors Return, Stephen Curry’s Ex-NBA Champion Teammate’s “Manners” Go Viral Among Fans
Among the stars of the final, Stephen Curry stood out as a talent even in loss. Despite his team’s failure, Curry’s talent came through, and he went on to become one of the most legendary players in NBA history. But during a podcast, his USA teammate Patrick Beverley spoke about their loss with Mark Cuban, who is the owner of the Mavericks. He said, “Me and Steph Curry were on the U-19 USA team. We ended up placed second and lost to Serbia. Steph Curry’s shooting a shot and missed all the time. Me and Johnny Flynn were like, yo Steph stop shooting man.” That’s when Cuban started laughing.
Beverly further added, “Me and Johnny told Steph like come on bro stop shooting that s**t. Steph responds, bro that’s my shot. Like he was shooting these high a** shots and 15 years later he is Steph Curry.”
How did Curry become the greatest shooter of all time?
Stephen Curry showcases exceptional ball-handling skills. Plus, he generates three-point shots through dribbles and screens with proficiency. His approach as the top shooter in NBA history entails shooting jumpers from beyond the arc, a range that was formerly considered bold. His ability to mix ball handling and shooting off dribbles or screens is a tribute to his exceptional talent. He has rewritten the rules of the game and redefined what is possible on the court.
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Curry’s high shooting volume and precision distinguish him. In fact, what distinguishes him even more is his three-point shooting percentage accuracy. His enormous volume and great precision have made him an unrivaled force on the floor, often making seemingly impossible shots.
Prior to Curry’s arrival, the idea of making over ten three-pointers a game while maintaining a 45% shooting percentage was almost unheard of. His influence has extended beyond the sport, motivating a new generation of players to push the limits of what is possible. His technique has not only transformed the game, but it has also provided new opportunities for players to realize their full potential.
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Some might argue that Curry is ruining the game, but all he is doing is evolving it. His journey is a testament to the power of pushing boundaries and daring to rewrite game rules.
Watch this Story: Why Is Stephen Curry Called the Chef?