Most young people know Dell Curry as “Steph’s father” or “Hornets’ TV color commentator” but the older generation knows how great a player he was back in the day. In 1986 Dell was named conference POY/All-American as a senior, then was drafted 15th overall that spring, and retired 16 years later as 1 of the best 3-PT shooters in NBA history. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with fellow Virginia Tech star Ace Custis about Dell being a great scorer and a famous father.
Dell was born/raised in Virginia, where he led his Fort Defiance High School teams to state championships in both baseball/basketball and was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 1982 MLB draft and the Orioles in the 1985 MLB draft: which sport was he best at, and which sport did he enjoy the most? I only know Dell from a basketball background, but he certainly looked the part on the baseball field.
What made him choose Virginia Tech? I am not 100% sure but once he arrived on campus I am sure that the university/community sold itself because we have a family atmosphere here.
As a senior in 1986 he averaged 24.1 PPG/2.6 SPG: how did he balance his offense with his defense? He was a complete player who played both ends of the court. His highlight was his long-range shooting, but he could score from anywhere.
He was named conference POY/All-American: what did it mean to him to receive such outstanding honors? He was 1 of those guys who really stuffed the stat sheet but was also a team player. He was deserving of all those honors and he left his mark here: just check out the record book!
He was selected 15th overall by Utah in the 1986 NBA Draft: did he see that as a validation of his college career, or the realization of a lifelong dream of reaching the NBA, or other? It was a milestone that was 1 of his goals in life. Most young kids dream of making it to the NBA…and his dream finally came true.
In 1999 he led the NBA with 47.6 3P% and he retired in 2002 ranked 9th all-time with 40.2 3P%: what was his secret to being a great 3-PT shooter? He was an exceptional shooter…and his son is an even better shooter! I remember him speaking at a basketball camp 1 year when someone asked him what his range was. He started out under the basket, then kept making shots and moving back and back until he reached midcourt: nothing but net!
Despite Dell and his ex-wife Sonya both going to Virginia Tech, their alma mater famously did not offer their son Stephen a scholarship but rather a preferred walk-on spot: how did Steph feel about it, and how did Dell feel about it? Whenever the Curry name comes up in Blacksburg, it reminds us that it was a missed opportunity for us, but also a great opportunity for Steph. Instead of backing up 1st-team All-ACC player Malcolm Delaney, he got to have the ball in his hands at Davidson.
In 1998 he founded the Dell Curry Foundation, which builds learning centers to educate youth in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area via skill-based programs/community service projects: how much importance does he place on helping others? When you are an icon in the community you try to give back to your community. It was not an obligation but rather something he took pride in and he succeeded with it.
He currently works for the Charlotte Hornets as a TV color commentator: are you surprised that he ended up in the media, and how does he like it? When you are a high-level athlete you want to stay around the game for as long as you can. He has a great voice and is doing an exceptional job. I love tuning into the games to hear his voice or see him when I attend games in-person.
In 1996 he was inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame and later became the 1st Hokie basketball player to have his jersey retired: when people look back on his career, how do you think that he should be remembered the most? He really gave his all every time that he stepped onto the court. He wore the Virginia Tech jersey with pride, and everybody loved him not just for his accomplishments but for the person he is.