‘Underrated’ lacks a bit of Curry – 07/23/2023 – Sport

Every hero has their origin story. And “Underrated,” Peter Nicks’ documentary that just premiered on Apple TV+, reveals the origins of Stephen Curry, four-time NBA champion and top scorer from the league’s three-point line – a real hero of modern times, as are super athletes.

Origin really. Don’t expect to see much of his years in the NBA here, his amazing plays or baskets from anywhere on the court, something he does in bursts. The focus is on his time at lowly Davidson, North Carolina, a liberal arts college that was never known for an aggressive basketball program. But it was what he had for Curry.

It’s the delightful story of the weaker reaching where the stronger couldn’t. From the ugly duckling becoming a swan, from Karate Kids, Rockys and the like, all underrated, but here with a touch of reality.

After all, skinny and short aren’t the best attributes for a basketball star, but that’s how Curry was seen at college games (and early in the professional league, too), wearing an unheroic uniform that seemed made for a guy with twice his “shape”.

Persevering, Curry used, and still uses, the adjective “underrated” as a motivational mantra. A good part of the testimonials are from Davidson’s group, such as that of coach Bob McKillop, fundamental to his training, and teammates.

But whether in the college past or in the present — at home with the kids or in one-on-one practice sessions — Curry’s story lacks Curry (and we’re not talking about spice).

With a quiet style, the Golden State Warriors star does not add curious or controversial information, as did, for example, Michael Jordan, when he reviewed his trajectory in the emblematic series “Final Throw”.

This lack of strength from the star could have the reinforcement of the parents, but no. The mother reviews photos and remembers little Curry next to the young man’s grandmother. It doesn’t go much further than that. Dell, the father, is an idol for Curry, a former NBA player for the Charlotte Hornets; in the film, he is also nothing more than a faded figure.

It’s as if director and protagonist bet on the saying that a picture (and there are several) is worth a thousand words. It is really curious, and perhaps revealing for many, to see the idol in online conversations with Davidson teachers.

During the film, the star was completing his thesis, 14 years late. That’s because he dropped out of college a year early to try his luck in the NBA. After completing the work —on the lack of gender equity in sport—, Curry returns to Davidson for the consecration (and the diploma).

“Underrated” leaves the impression that it could be another good episode of ESPN’s “30 by 30”. Either way, it will work well for sports fans in general, and the NBA in particular. Expecting more than that might be overestimating the product.