Curry’s Noble Choice in Oakland
Stephen Curry’s decision to skip the NBA 3-point Contest, a highlight of All-Star Weekend, disappointed many fans. However, his choice to engage in a 3-point shootout for a nobler cause in Oakland was a testament to his commitment to community and philanthropy. On a Friday evening, nearly two hours before Curry arrived at McClymond High School, a line of eager fans, including people of all ages and backgrounds, formed to catch a glimpse of the Golden State Warriors superstar. Little did they know, they were about to witness a unique and generous show.
The Lottery of Skill and Generosity
Inside the gym, the excitement was palpable. A clear plexiglass bin, roughly the size of a small car, held $100,000 in cash, visible to everyone. The catch? This was a 3-point contest, and the prize would go to the winner. The two eligible competitors were none other than Curry, the all-time NBA 3-point shooting king with 3,948 3-pointers, and Demarrion Gardner, a senior on McClymond’s boys’ basketball team. Instead of a nationally televised event, Curry chose to highlight a local student-athlete before a few hundred spectators.
A Gymnasium of Hope
Curry’s partnership with Under Armour and Curry Brand, along with media personality MrBeast, was behind the dedication of a newly refurbished gymnasium named after Bill Russell, a distinguished alumnus from the Class of 1952. This three-month project, which saw its final coats of paint dry over the weekend, was one of many events during NBA All-Star Weekend, but it stood out for its grassroots nature. There were no velvet ropes or red carpets at McClymonds. It was simply a global icon visiting a working-class neighborhood to support its community.
A Community Celebration
The gym was filled with a mix of celebrities and local legends. Former NBA star Antonio Davis and playground legend Demetrius “Hook” Mitchell, both Mack alumni from 40 years ago, were present. NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, former NFL star Marshawn Lynch, actor Boris Kodjoe, and Bill Russell’s widow, Jeannine Russell, also attended. WNBA star Kelsey Plum and former NBA star Brandon Jennings, the first basketball signee for Under Armour, coached youth teams “The Town” and “The City.”
The Contest: A Test of Skill and Spirit
The contest format mirrored the NBA’s 3-point contest, with five racks and five balls each, but with a twist: Curry had 30 seconds, while Gardner was given 60. Despite the generous time allocation, the contest was an uphill battle for Gardner. Curry, with his unparalleled shooting prowess, made 14 of 19 attempts in the given time. When it was Gardner’s turn, he managed to drain nine shots. Despite the result, Gardner’s smile remained bright. “It was exciting,” he said. “I really thought I was going to win. I didn’t know it was going to be Steph.”
A Win for the Community
In the end, everyone was a winner. Curry, the contest victor, chose to donate the $100,000 to Eat. Learn. Play., a foundation dedicated to feeding, educating, and providing play spaces for Oakland’s youth. Gardner, too, was elated. “How can I lose when everybody wins?” he remarked. The event was not just a display of basketball skill but a celebration of community, generosity, and the enduring spirit of giving back. Curry’s presence and actions reaffirmed his status as not just a basketball legend but a true role model for the youth of Oakland and beyond.
