On This Day: Stephen Curry announces his arrival in the 2008 NCAA Tournament
With the NBA, MLB, NHL and other major sports leagues and sporting events suspended or canceled, on a daily basis, we will revisit some of the most unforgettable games and sports moments in history. Welcome to On This Day.
When people think of the greatest shooter of all-time, Stephen Curry is the first name that comes to mind. Shooting is as synonymous with Curry as dunking is with Vince Carter.
But before the two-time NBA MVP was recognized as the best shooter of all-time, he was a relative unknown going into the 2008 NCAA Tournament.
He announced his arrival in epic fashion, at the expense of Gonzaga.
March 21, 2008: Stephen Curry scores 40 points against Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament
The son of former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry, Steph wasn’t a five-star recruit in high school. In fact, he wasn’t even offered by Virginia Tech, the school his father attended.
Happy Birthday to the GOAT. pic.twitter.com/Vl5oXDgkAG
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) March 14, 2020
That didn’t stop Curry from lighting up the collegiate ranks.
Curry entered the 2008 NCAA tournament averaging 25.9 points per game but most of America had never seen him play.
He became must-see television after this performance.
12 years ago today, Steph Curry vs Gonzaga!
40 PTS (30 in 2nd half)
14-22 FG
8-10 3PTS
5 STL
2 AST“Most people didn’t think we’d make it out of the 1st round. We had that stubborn belief that we could beat anybody in the country.” – @StephenCurry30 pic.twitter.com/t2FMgKR93A
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 21, 2020
And this was only the beginning for Curry and Davidson.
They would make a run to the Elite Eight, where they would fall to eventual champion Kansas University.
On that run Curry averaged 32 points and became the ultimate Cinderella story.
Here is a full look at the damage he caused in the 2008 NCAA Tournament.
The run was so special we mentioned it in our favorite moments from Curry on his 32nd birthday.
Not bad for a kid who was overlooked coming out of high school.
