Even one of the world’s best still gets the jitters.
Stephen Curry, the reigning NBA MVP, admits nervousness still hits him during games. Yet surprisingly, the sweet-shooting guard thinks it’s a good thing.
“I get butterflies, for sure,” Curry said during a one-on-one interview with the Inquirer. “I want so badly to be successful, so all that kind of comes out. But when you talk about butterflies and all that, it means you’re prepared for the moment … that you want to be successful.”
It was all fun, though, in his first trip to the Philippines.
Curry—who led the Golden State Warriors this season to their first NBA championship in 40 years—showed a glimpse of his sharp form and charming ways during his festive one-day visit in Manila on Saturday.
“I learned a lot about Filipino culture and how much you love the game of basketball,” said Curry. “Your hospitality has been amazing. This is better than expected.”
The tour, dubbed as “The UA Roadshow featuring Stephen Curry,” had Curry thrilling fans with his prolific shooting and dunks, as well as leading selected high school players in on-court drills at Mall of Asia Arena.
“It’s okay if you mess up,” Curry told the kids. “It means we’re getting better.”
MVP Stephen Curry shows fancy dribbling at MoA Arena. RAFFY LERMA
The 27-year-old Curry said he also has his own share of bashers despite a banner year.
“You hear [criticisms], but you do your best not to hear it,” he said. “There’s always going to be somebody talking negative about you—saying you can’t do this, you can’t do that. But you’re the one out there playing, so you’re the only one who can control that. So you go out there and do it.”
The 6-foot-3 Curry said there’s no satisfying him yet: “I can always get better, I don’t think I’ve reached my full potential yet.”