It wasn’t held at some extravagant museum, large university or even at Warriors headquarters. If you’ve followed the career of Stephen Curry, you know that he’s not one for excessive self-promotion or boastfulness. He’s humble in every sense of the word, and given his upbringing in Charlotte, North Carolina under the teachings and tutelage of his father, Dell, and mother, Sonya, that should come as no surprise.
-== Kenny Smith Doesn’t Believe The Warriors Can Win The West ==-
The #CurryOne debut took place at St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, the former home of future NBA Hall-of-Famer Jason Kidd, actor/comedian Mark Curry (who was the master of ceremonies for the event) and the Director of Sports Marketing for Under Armour Basketball Kris Stone. The stage wasn’t grandiose, but it didn’t need to be.
The introduction of the #CurryOne was a moment Curry was waiting on for more than 18 months, but working towards since the first time he picked up a basketball. “Getting your own shoe is a dream come true, says Curry, who is the odds on favorite for NBA most valuable player as it stands today. “To see it from the start to now launching, it has been surreal.”
With wife, Ayesha, and various family members and friends watching, Curry displayed his patented yet childish grin as six colorways of his first signature shoes were unveiled to the world. “Today is a big day. Never thought this would happen,” said the second leading vote getter for next month’s All-Star Game in New York, where the #CurryOne’s will also be released to the public.
The shoe will retail for $120, a price point that Curry and Under Armour chose for maximum fan accessibility. With many other shoes selling for $150, $175 and even upwards of $200, it makes sense. Each of the six colorways tells a story, and the “Home” colorway will make its debut Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers on ESPN.
Under Armour first got into the basketball scene with their signing of Brandon Jennings in 2008. Since then, they’ve added players such as Kemba Walker, Kent Bazemore and now Curry. They also reportedly offered Kevin Durant a record contract that would’ve paid him anywhere between $265 million and $285 million. They want to become major players, and the introduction of the #CurryOne is one large step in what the company hopes will be many in that very direction.
The event in Alameda included an “editors huddle” which was followed by a Q&A segment and “wear test” for the editors. The test included numerous drills – with Curry participating – and concluded with 5-on-5 games between the editors.
The “editors huddle” was the centerpiece of the stage, but just to the side was a set piece that made this event unique and personable to Curry. The right side of the stage was set up to look like Steph’s bedroom while growing up and creating the foundation where he finds his faith (and game) today.
The introduction of a signature shoe for any athlete is special. It’s designed for not only the athlete himself but for fans around the world wanting to publicly display their appreciation and love. Curry has become an iconic figure within #DubNation, and the introduction of the #CurryOne will only help in his rise to superstardom.