I watched the Jimmy V Classic doubleheader last night involving Davidson vs West Virginia in the first game, and Villanova vs Texas in the second game. I was particularly interested in watching Stephen Curry of Davidson. After Curry’s great run in last year’s NCAA’s, I was pleasantly surprised that he stayed in school for another year.
I had read that Curry was being asked to be the point guard on this year’s team after the graduation of last year’s fine point guard for Davidson, Jason Richards. Making that transition from shooting guard to point guard can be very difficult, and I was curious on how Curry was progressing. Davidson is not seen nationally a lot, though this year I am sure they will be on a lot more, so I wanted to take this opportunity to see him, especially against a good defensive team like West Virginia.
Going into the game, Curry was averaging over 30 points a game, despite one game where he was shut out. In that game, he was doubled teamed the whole game, and he just took himself out of the game, stood in the corner and let his teammates basically play 4 on 3. Over 30 points a game doesn’t sound much like a point guard role, so I was curious on how he was playing.
It was a strange game. West Virginia was depleted of most of their guards due to injuries, including one of my favorite players in college, their tough,physical and fine defending point, Joe Mazzula. That left WV to defend Curry with different players, all in the 6’6” to 6’8” range. With my former college evaluating hat on, it did not bother me when Curry was really struggling shooting the ball in the first half. What really impressed me was how well he passed the ball, though he did commit some careless turnovers. Though he wasn’t really pressured when dribbling the ball, due to a forward guarding him, he showed good handle and it is obvious that he has a great feel for the game. Despite shooting so poorly, I actually was even higher on him as a prospect than last year because he showed more skills. He showed he has a very good chance to be a point guard in the NBA, not just a smallish shooting guard. Like I said, his poor shooting did not really bother me. I know he can shoot it, and I liked the fact he was proving he had more game.
So as the second half progressed, Curry continued to shoot poorly. Those little doubts starting to enter into my scouting head. Is he struggling because the length of defenders, like he’d face in the NBA, was getting to him? With more turnovers, could he be a point? Was the physical play of West Virginia too much for him? And he was getting hurt, on the defensive end, trying to guard bigger players inside. Typical of a scout, I started focusing on his weaknesses, forgetting about his strengths.
With 5 minutes left, Curry had 14 points on 4 for 16 shooting, 1-13 from threes, and around 8 turnovers. Not exactly great numbers. Had to be impressed that he was keeping an even composure, though frustration had to be there. Davidson in trouble, Curry did what great players do. In the last five minutes he took over. He scored 13 points, went 3-3 from threes, 1-2 from twos and 2 for 2, in the clutch, from the foul line. I love that in some players. Shows real fortitude. Like Tiger Woods, struggling all day on the greens, you know he’s going to make that big putt when needed. Special athletes find a way. There’s just a special extra will to win. You could see it when he hit what was the clinching 3, late in the game. He finally showed some real emotion. He was pumped to win.
Those doubts that had crept in, vanished in my mind. While he has some weaknesses, his strengths overide them. I knew he could shoot it, but he proved tonight he has other skills . He’s very smart. He has a great feel. He makes his teammates better (10 assists), a sure sign of a good player. And maybe most importantly, he’s not afraid to compete. In fact, I think he relishes it. I am looking forward to watching him more this year.
One last thing. Freshman Devin Ebanks of West Virginia, a 6’9” athletic forward and a rebounding machine, looks to be a real prospect.
Image Source: NY Times
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Davidson Wildcats National Champs 2009…you heard it hear first!!!
George,
Nice report. I don’t have any doubts this kid will be a player in the NBA. His performance in 2008 NCAA tourney convinced me of that. I also like the fact that he is a late bloomer who was ignored by big time schools. That chip on his shoulder (drive to always prove self) will serve him well throughout his career. Lastly, you’ve got to like his pedigree. He’s been exposed to the NBA game as a youth, and has learned the game and how to shoot from one of the best shooters that played in the late 80′s and 90′s.
I actually came on this site to read your comments on Pete Newell. Just read a fantastic tribute in the San Francisco Chronicle by Bruce Jenkins (author of a “Good Man”). A reader commented on your tribute. Look forward to reading it and glad to see you still have your scouting eye.
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