Stephen Curry’s decision to enter the NBA draft has attracted a great deal of attention on campus and around the sports world. The appropriate reaction for a Davidson basketball fan is obvious: disappointment that we lose a year of watching that silky-smooth shot tickle the nets of Belk Arena, but excitement for Steph’s future career. Beyond the implications for basketball fans, the decision has also prompted a healthy debate on the role of the student-athlete at Davidson.
Davidson has long trumpeted itself as a community dedicated to the ideal of uncorrupted college athletics—a place where true students happen to also compete in Division I athletics. In some minds, the fact that our most famous student has decided to turn professional will challenge that notion. Without graduating, Curry is ineligible for the Davidson hall of fame or having his number retired. We hope, though, that most observers will understand Steph’s choice for what it is: one man’s decision to realize a lifelong dream.
When Elton Brand became the first basketball player to leave Duke early after his sophomore season in 1999, his departure sparked a similar crisis of identity for Duke athletics. Today, we have come to expect that star athletes will cash in on their prospects and turn pro. But Davidson has never had that type of star power; not until Mr. Curry. It seems only natural then that his choice would feed controversy.
But when you look at the legacy Curry leaves and the manner in which he decided, it is clear that he is a model for the modern student-athlete. While at Davidson, Curry always represented the College with dignity. Despite the fact that he will likely be drafted in the middle of the first round, and will have a guaranteed multi-million dollar contract, Curry seemed honestly torn about deciding to cut short his education. He also expressed a desire to complete his degree at some point.
The fact that Curry will leave without completing his senior year should not tarnish his exemplary record as a student-athlete. In this case, it seems that extraordinary circumstances prompted one athlete to choose a path that takes him away from Davidson. While open debate is always appropriate, this experience should not undermine our understanding of athletics at Davidson.
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