Who Was Steph Curry's Mentor? The Untold Story Behind His Success

The Early Years: Steph Curry's Path to Greatness

If you've been following Steph Curry for even a little while, you know the man is a basketball legend. But here's the thing—not everyone knows who helped shape him into the incredible player he is today. Sure, he has natural talent, but there was someone who played a crucial role in pushing him to where he is now. So, who was Steph Curry's mentor?

The Role of Dell Curry: Father and Guide

Well, the obvious answer here is Steph's dad, Dell Curry. A former NBA player, Dell Curry wasn't just any father—he was a mentor, a coach, and a role model. You see, growing up, Steph didn’t have to look far to find inspiration. His father was already a solid NBA player, a sharpshooter in his own right, and a man who had lived the life of a professional athlete.

But it wasn’t all about basketball drills and tips from Dell. Dell Curry was there in the trenches, teaching his son the values of hard work, patience, and staying humble. And, believe me, Steph talks about this often—his father’s guidance shaped his mindset on and off the court. No wonder Steph’s shooting form is so perfect; it’s not just natural talent, but the hours of work alongside his dad that paid off.

Still, there’s a catch here. You might be thinking, “Okay, that makes sense, but doesn’t Steph also need other mentors outside his family?” Well, yes, and that’s where things get interesting.

Under the Radar: A Hidden Mentor in Basketball

Now, hold up, I need to be honest with you. When you dig into Steph’s story, you realize there’s a mentor that doesn’t get as much attention but played a huge part in his career. It’s none other than Chris Paul, the NBA’s point guard extraordinaire.

Chris Paul: The Mentor Who Pushed Curry to New Heights

So, here’s the thing—I was chatting with my buddy Jake, a huge NBA fan, and we were both struck by how often Curry mentions Chris Paul, especially early in his career. Chris Paul, known for his leadership and basketball IQ, took Steph under his wing in the offseason. In fact, when Curry was a young player in the NBA, Chris Paul took the time to work with him on his passing, decision-making, and even his approach to the game. They often practiced together, and let me tell you, that made a difference.

Chris Paul showed Curry how to elevate his game—not just through drills, but by sharpening his basketball mind. “The game’s mental,” Steph said in an interview once, and that’s something he clearly learned from Chris Paul. And that mentor-mentee bond wasn’t just a couple of weeks; it was a long-lasting relationship that influenced Curry’s development as a leader on the court.

The College Connection: Bob McKillop’s Influence

But wait—there’s more to this story! While it’s easy to focus on Steph’s NBA mentors, there’s also a pivotal figure from his college years: Bob McKillop, Curry’s coach at Davidson College. You might not know McKillop's name, but his role in Curry’s journey is undeniable.

Bob McKillop: The Coach Who Believed in Curry

McKillop is the one who first recognized Steph Curry’s potential, even when others doubted him. And trust me, there were plenty of doubters back then. Curry wasn't the highly-ranked recruit that you’d expect to see lighting up the NBA today. In fact, when he first showed up at Davidson, many questioned whether he'd make it big in the pros.

McKillop not only pushed Curry to be better but gave him the confidence he needed to keep growing. One of the most memorable moments from that time was Curry's historic run in the 2008 NCAA Tournament, where he led Davidson to the Elite Eight. If you ask Curry, he’ll tell you that McKillop’s guidance was the key to his development during those early years. McKillop didn’t just coach basketball—he taught Curry to believe in himself, even when the odds were stacked against him.

Conclusion: The Perfect Storm of Mentorship

So, after all this, who was Steph Curry’s mentor? The answer isn’t just one person, but a mix of influences that helped shape him into the player we admire today. His father, Dell Curry, instilled the fundamentals. Chris Paul taught him how to think and lead on the court. And Bob McKillop gave him the confidence to defy expectations.

Looking back, it's clear: Curry didn’t just get here by himself. He had a team of mentors pushing him forward every step of the way. And if you ask me, that’s a big reason why he’s so grounded, despite all his success. If you ever doubted the importance of mentorship, just look at Steph Curry's career. It's proof that behind every great player is someone who's ready to guide them toward greatness.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.