05.23.2019

Stephen Curry, the Coy Prankster

Curry 6 Colorway Tells The Story of a Koi Pond Dare That Ended in Sprints

Stephen Curry is more than meets the eye. On the court, he doesn't look the part of a consensus six-time NBA All-Star player; he's thinner, smaller, not as obviously explosive. But with the ball in his hands, he makes magic happen; deadly accuracy from range, unmatched handles and court vision that rivals the all-time greats.

 

Off the court, Stephen has demonstrated he’s humble, joyous and grateful for everything in his life. But spend some time around him and you might get caught up in one of his famous schemes - at his core, Stephen is a savage prankster, who loves to stir the pot and add some lighthearted mischievousness to any situation.

 

The coy, playful personality that friends and family now know all too well can be traced back to Stephen's time at Davidson College in North Carolina. This particular prank occurred during Stephen's junior year, while he was out with his teammates on his 21st birthday. 

 

"We went to a little Japanese steakhouse to celebrate, and decisions were made to jump in the koi fish pond at the restaurant. I was the decoy distracting the hostess while Steve [Rossiter] jumped in and tried to grab one of the fish."

Stephen Curry

As Rossiter worked to nab a koi fish from the restaurant pond, Curry distracted the hostess. Unfortunately for them, a security camera caught all the action. A videotape from the restaurant made its way to Davidson College men's basketball head coach Bob McKillop a week later.

 

"We were in the gym running sprints for a good two hours," said Stephen. "And then we had to go back to the steakhouse and stay at the front door for four hours as greeters!"

 

At that point, the restaurant had come out on top - the most famous amateur athlete in the area, just a year removed from leading Davidson to the Elite Eight and in the midst of a first team All-American season, was at the door greeting starry eyed customers, a boom for business that went well beyond a single koi fish. And while Stephen might have learned his lesson in the moment, it only ignited the coy spirit that drives his mischievous personality today. Stephen revels in poking the bear - whether it's pranking a friend at home or dropping three after three on a reeling defense.

 

The Curry 6 Coy Fish colorway, homophone intended, tells the origin story of a prankster as he returns to his home in Charlotte for the 2019 All-Star Game. This striking colorway is a nod to the vibrant beauty of the koi fish, featuring a bright yellow fully knit upper, a full-length HOVR midsole and a water-like clear outsole for best-in-class traction.

 

The Under Armour Curry 6 Coy Fish colorway is available on UA.com, at UA Brand Houses and at select retail partners for $130 USD.

 

It was over 10 years ago, but the memory is still fresh for all who were involved. Rumors have circulated over the years as to what actually went down that fateful night on Stephen Curry’s 21st birthday, and UA Basketball went out to set the record straight - all in the name of good fun. The Koi Pond incident – the prank that inspired the Curry 6 Coy Fish colorway – had lived as hearsay for too long, and here's a look at what went down from the perspective of those who were there. 

 

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