Curry finishes his college degree

Warriors star left school a year early to join draft. Teammate Payton says he’s next

“Pomp and Circumstance” played as Stephen Curry stepped up to the podium after practice Monday as he and the Golden State Warriors prepared for the Western Conference final against the Dallas Mavericks. It was a playful, makeshift moment to honour his new status as college graduate.

Curry completed his bachelor of arts degree in sociology to join the Davidson College class of 2022, even if he couldn’t be there to walk for the commencement ceremony Sunday. He watched on video.

He fulfilled a promise to mother Sonya that he would receive his degree. She had been bragging for the past decade that two of her children — son Seth and daughter Sydel — had college degrees.

“It’s cool to kind of relive the sights and sounds of school and campus and all that,” Curry said. “This is a long time coming, obviously. Since I left campus it was a goal to finish. Just obviously a sense of accomplishment but a promise I made to my mom and Coach (Bob) McKillop when I left after my junior year. It was pretty special, they had the Fathead (cut-out) over on campus in my honour.”

This marks another important accomplishment to add to a list that includes three NBA championships, two MVP awards and a pair of scoring titles. Curry will receive his diploma at a later date. He completed his coursework 13 years after leaving Davidson a year early following his junior season. He was drafted by the Warriors seventh overall.

Next up is Gary Payton II, who said Sunday he is close to earning his degree from Oregon State in a month or so.

“It doesn’t surprise me. We have guys who are really conscientious about the world beyond basketball and their impact in their communities,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Also, Steph is a really curious guy, he’s constantly trying to expand his horizons and getting his college degree was really important to him. I think it’s fantastic, and same with Gary.”

Curry’s thesis was focused on advancing gender equity through sports and he even did a research project about tattoos, getting his teammates who have ink to discuss the meaning behind their choices and how they feel about the tattoos now.

“My guys helped me out on that research project,” Curry said.

Curry watched the commencement ceremony over live stream Sunday and was announced as “Wardell Stephen Curry II.” He’ll go back to being announced as a starting guard Wednesday, when the Warriors host the Mavericks.