National news is captivated by the NBA Championship series that began last night between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Golden State is led by the Most Valuable Player in the NBA this year, Stephen Curry. Cleveland is led by returning superstar LeBron James, four time MVP and winner of two NBA Championships.
However, there is more intrigue to this game. You see, the City of Akron, Ohio, a small city of less than 200,000 people and 39 miles from Cleveland and Lake Erie, is the rubber and tire capitol of the world. Well the reigning king of the NBA, LeBron, is about to be unseated by the future king Stephen Curry.
Did I mention both were born in Akron. Indeed, when Stephen Curry was born in 1988, LeBron was already four years old and entertaining people with with dribbling and shooting exhibitions. You should read his story, as he and his mother had to overcome some difficult times before he could lay claim to being the King of the NBA.
Curry had a much different ride to the top. After being born in Akron, he followed his father to Charlotte, North Carolina, then Toronto, then back to Charlotte. His father was a basketball star for Virginia Tech, then played in the NBA for 16 seasons on five different teams. His mother had been a volleyball star for Virginia Tech.
The encouragement and opportunity to pursue his love for the hoops came from his parents. That was fine with young Stephen. It was a well rounded life and education for him. Then came time to go to college and show the nation his skills, The problem was, he was a shrimp physically, and no matter how good he was on the court, college scouts did not think he could survive. Thus the future king of the NBA could not get a single scholarship offer for college from a major basketball powerhouse.
In spite of his boyish looks he went to Davidson College and led them to the final eight in the NCAA national tournament. He was drafted by Golden State and became an immediate super star in his 2009-2010 rookie season. In 2010 and 2014 he was part of the USA National team that won the Gold Medal both times.
Now Curry is playing for the NBA Championship, the highest pinnacle you can achieve in sports, even if you are a shrimp, and darn if he still does not look boyish.
For comparison, at 6' 3" Curry weighs in at 190 pounds, most likely wet, and with a weight belt. LeBron, on the other hand, towers over him at 6' 8" and weighs about 250 pounds. Side by side it is like a VW Bug facing off with a Mack Truck.
Stephen married his former college sweetheart, Ayesha
Alexander, on July 30, 2011 in Charlotte .
The couple had their first child, daughter Riley, on July 19, 2012.
Ironically, it is Riley, at two years young, who often upstages her famous father during television interviews.
Seems I remember another very young girl who used to disrupt her understanding and famous father under the glare of media spotlights. I believe her name was Caroline.
Here is a series of Riley photos demonstrating how Riley can control the future NBA King.
Curry is absolutely the perfect role model for any kid who desires to be perfect. Last night he proved he belonged in that championship game when his team won the first game 108-100, in overtime.
It may be a long series but the battle for bragging rights in Akron is going to provide some of the best basketball in a long time, and Americans need a break from the nonsense, confusion, and apathy that is sapping our spirit and wounding our pride.
My advice, give yourself a break and watch the clash of titans, it beats watching the Evening Blues, or is that News.
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