PEBBLE BEACH — When NBA Golden State Warriors Guard Stephen Curry talks, people listen — especially if they are one of more than 100 campers who took part in the Stephen Curry Overnight Youth Basketball Camp at Stevenson School from Aug. 17-20.
Scotts Valley High School sophomore Tim Wagner was one of them. He was at the camp Tuesday morning. He met Curry, heard him speak, watched him demonstrate his personal workout routine and worked out with the many coaches at the camp.
“I’m learning new stuff every day, having fun,” Wagner said. “I’m learning new moves and about getting my team chemistry better.”
Besides just seeing his routine and getting his autograph, Wagner said he got some face-to-face time as well.
“I went over and said a few words with him while he was taking a break from the staff game. It was amazing to meet him,” Wagner said of his favorite NBA player.
“For sure I’m a Warriors fan. Steph Curry is my favorite player,” he said.
In an interview with the press, Curry admitted that most of the kids are just star struck when they see him, but as they realize you are just a person, they break out of their shell.
“Anything they want to ask, when I’m here, I’m available. And they embrace that,” Curry said.
Curry said he emphasized to the campers that hard word and effort are what separate superstars like himself. While natural skill varies from person to person, effort can make up for it.
“The attention to detail and focus that you give each drill, that’s the one thing you can control,” he said.
Marcus Nelson, a sophomore at Santa Cruz High School, seemed to have been listening to Curry during his days at the camp.
“It’s been a good experience all around. All kinds of nice drills and shooting exercises,” Nelson said. “And it was nice to shake Steph’s hand and get an autograph from him.”