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Steph Curry says vibe at American Century Championship keeps him coming back to Tahoe

J.P. Kelsey
jpkelsey@tahoedailytribune.com
NBA champion Steph Curry talks with the media Thursday at Edgewood Tahoe.
J.P. Kelsey / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
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Fresh off an NBA championship, the ACC tournament is something of a family affair for Golden State Warrior point guard Steph Curry.

Curry will be hitting the links along with his father, former NBA star Dell Curry, and the younger Curry said he’s hoping to fare better this go around when everything is said and done. The elder Curry came out on top last year.

“I hope to win, obviously,” Curry said Thursday at a press conference. “We have a fun little bet — and I see that the lake is at a healthy level — but whoever loses has to take the polar plunge into the lake before we head back to the Bay after Sunday’s round so I hope that’s not me.”



Curry said that he isn’t a sore loser and he owes a lot to his dad for introducing him to the game.

I would put Chuck on the bag because he’s talked a lot of smack about me and the Warriors so I would load up my bag with some bricks …

“He got me into the game when I was 10 years old,” said Curry. “We’ve had countless numbers of rounds played together so to be in this situation, and I’m always going to be aware of his score and things like that, so it’s going to be fun.”



Curry is one of the fan favorites, along with Charles Barkley, Justin Timberlake and Aaron Rodgers. He had a few thoughts on who he would have as a caddy, a golf partner and who he would do the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” Carlton dance with.

“I would put Chuck on the bag because he’s talked a lot of smack about me and the Warriors so I would load up my bag with some bricks …” said Curry. “I’d dance with JT just because, you know, he’s über talented in all facets of life and I’d play with Aaron because he’s got game.”

For those that might not be aware, Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has participated in the ACC several times and is a fan favorite due to his “Carlton” dance moves.

Curry remarked how much of a showman Barkley is and that the trash-talking is in good fun.

“It’s all TV, man,” said Curry. “He’s a great personality and knows how to get a headline. Sometimes you don’t know whether if he’s being real or not, but every time I’ve seen him off the grid, he’s been great to my family, and to me as well, so I take everything he says, literally everything he says, with a grain of salt. He’s a legend and he’s great for the game …”

It’s not all about the stars, though, the fans are a huge part of the ACC’s success. Curry said he always enjoys getting to cut up and interact a little with the spectators.

“It seems that there were more people here today than in years past, especially on a Thursday,” Curry said. “From hole 1 to 18, there are moments throughout the round where you feel that excitement and being so close to the Bay Area there’s a lot of Dub Nation out here. A lot of [Curry] jerseys and love for our championship run and things like that. And obviously there’s a lot of people out here ready to have fun and turn it up a little bit. It’s hard to pick just one moment, that’s why you love coming up here, because of the vibe of the tournament.”

Curry said that the vibe is what carries over into him being able to continue to attend the ACC and enjoy himself while still competing and being a high-profile athlete.

“I’m definitely able to have fun out here,” said Curry. “I try to enjoy the moment, try to hit good shots. Every time I come up here on this mic it’s the weirdest thing talking in golf terms. Like I always laugh when I say I’m trying to hit fairways and greens and try to make some putts and see what part of my game is there.”

Curry said that he’s making the most of the tournament and the rest of the offseason, before gearing back up for the NBA season.

“I’m just trying to have fun and enjoy this atmosphere because it’s such a fun weekend,” said Curry. “I try not to take it that seriously out on the course and psych myself out. I just have fun. That’s when I play my best basketball and golf so I’ll try to have that approach. The tournament does a great job putting it on for us and treat us top-notch. The fans are amazing and the energy’s crazy so it’s going to be great to watch …”


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