Sydney Curry’s rise from JUCO to emerging star in the ACC

Fort Wayne, Indiana native Sydney Curry hasn’t always been in the spotlight. 

His rise to ACC phenomenon was one that the 6-foot-10 big man had to grind for, and he’s proven just that. 

Northrop is where Curry starred in high school. Made the state’s Supreme 15 list, then transitioned to John A. Logan, where he starred on one of the most loaded junior college rosters in the last few years. 

Curry was one of the best prospects at the JUCO level. He was a third-team All-American, was listed as his conference’s player of the year by multiple outlets, had 14+ double figure, seven-rebound plus outings, and was just an all out dominant force.

Coming to Louisville, Curry had to reshape his body, and that wasn’t a challenge he was holding back from. He got straight into the weight room and was able to get to 260-pounds.

I noted that Curry should’ve been playing from the jump last season, unfortunately that wasn’t the case. Once mid-season hit, Curry’s minutes continued to rise and he eventually averaged 17.6 points and 9.0 rebounds in his last five games.

Now, Curry is seen as a possible breakout player in both the ACC and nationally. Curry was a key returner for newly-minted head coach Kenny Payne, and I believe that under one of the best developmental coaches in hoops, Curry can be a lethal factor for the Cardinals.

He sat down with Stockrisers.com to discuss the upcoming season, his game, his new coach, and a lot more.

Describe how you feel you played last year? 

"I feel like I played Good. There were games I felt like I was unstoppable. I learned a lot from all my games I played in. I feel like when you play hard, good things always happen.”

Your relationship with Kenny Payne, how has it been? 

”My relationship with Coach Payne is good. We talk about more stuff than basketball. He is a great guy and i’m glad he’s here. He lives by what he says. He’s working with me on improving my game in all aspects.”

What are his plans for you as far as on the court, what has his message been to you about your game?

"Being the same aggressive player I am and  for me to be able to stretch the floor a little bit more, being able to guard multiple positions, and working on my range away from the rim, as well as my dribbling skills.”

What have you been working on?

“I been working on everything man. Extending my range to the midrange, working on my dribbling, my finishes around the rim, and overall conditioning, just being stronger then ever. Also my defense is something i been attacking.

Why was coming back important to you?

"Coming back for me was so important because I love Louisville and I wanted to leave my impact on the program and city. Last year didn’t go how we planned it, I’m back for revenge and to show the world that Sydney Curry has arrived.”

This roster is getting all it’s important pieces back, how you feeling about the roster?

“I feel very confident with the pieces we got coming back, it gives us a good foundation because we played last year and coming in to this year with the knowledge will help a lot. We are going to have some pieces coming in that will be big as well.”

How do you feel your game emulates at the next level? 

"I feel like it translates in multiple ways. I rebound the ball at a high level, I can score the ball and find my open teammates, and overall be a good teammate and limit my opponent. Playing hard is another thing.”

What should fans look forward to for next season? 

"A dominant player and fans should look forward to a lot of wins, lots of excitement, and a lot of dunks. Also know that i’m giving it my all for the Ville.”