Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

Episode: ATHLETIC GREATS: Steph Curry on Redefining Greatness, Championships and What Comes Next
Date of Conversation: July 2023
Published: February 8, 2026

Episode Overview

In this engaging, in-depth sitdown, Willie Geist interviews NBA superstar Steph Curry at a pivotal juncture: after a dramatic summer of golf triumphs and the release of his inspiring documentary "Underrated." Their conversation delves into Curry’s basketball journey from overlooked prospect to generational star, examines how he channels setbacks into fuel, and explores his passions outside basketball—including his foundation and making golf accessible for young athletes. The episode is rich with personal anecdotes, reflections on greatness and legacy, and candid insights on what drives Curry both on and off the court.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Tahoe Golf Win and Golf’s Lessons

[02:20–05:17]

• Curry relives his thrilling win at the American Century Classic, revealing how the pressure-packed environment compares to NBA game-winners:
  • “It was an adrenaline rush like no other. It was the most fun I've ever had playing golf in that environment.” — Steph Curry [02:34]
  • The emotional rush and his 'major championship' celebration underscore his elite competitive instincts.
• Steph analyzes similarities and differences between clutch moments in golf and basketball (golf requires sitting with your nerves, basketball is faster and more reactive).
• On whether he'd ever consider pro golf, Curry is modest but curious:
  • “The Champions Tour is something that would be cool to kind of, you know, prepare for... But I haven't really let my mind wander too far down the road yet.” — Steph Curry [05:43]

2. "Underrated" Documentary and the Underdog Mentality

[06:40–13:09]

• Curry discusses the genesis of "Underrated" as both documentary and initiative, rooted in his own experience as an overlooked prospect:
  • “It's about equity, access and opportunity in the game of golf and trying to get more diversity and more representation within the game.” — Steph Curry [07:29]
• He unpacks the “underrated” mindset, crediting his mom for channeling his frustration into inner motivation and work ethic:
  • “For me it was, I need to prove to myself that I was the player I thought I was.” — Steph Curry [11:29]
• The story of Virginia Tech declining to offer him a basketball scholarship, even as the son of two alumni, highlights his resilience:
  • “There was a walk on opportunity if I wanted to go that route. There was no scholarship offer though...” — Steph Curry [12:53]

3. Davidson Years and Breakout Moment

[13:09–17:39]

• Curry reflects on the importance of Coach Bob McKillop in building his confidence after a rocky college debut:
  • “[Coach McKillop] stuck with me, and he instilled confidence in me through those failures... he coached and mentored both.” — Steph Curry [13:31]
• Their underdog March Madness run, defeating giants Gonzaga, Georgetown, Wisconsin, put Curry and Davidson on the map:
  • “There's a lot of good inspiration that comes out of everybody understanding what their role was... just the power of team.” — Steph Curry [15:14]
• A highlight: LeBron James in the crowd, foreshadowing their future NBA rivalry:
  • “If you would have stopped time in that moment and told both of us... what was in our future... we probably would laugh at it.” — Steph Curry [16:58]

4. Academic Promise and Personal Fulfillment

[17:39–19:41]

• On finishing his degree at Davidson, honoring a promise to his mother:
  • “I Wanted to actually do the work and earn it… fulfilling a promise to the most important people in my life was, was truly special.” — Steph Curry [19:02]
• Humanizing moments show Curry balancing his own thesis with his children’s homework.

5. NBA Journey: Skepticism, Breakthrough, and Continued Motivation

[20:00–23:14]

• Despite being a lottery pick, Curry was dogged by doubts about his size and potential. His underdog mindset persisted:
  • “Just more, more challenging motivation to tap into that underrated DNA that I developed earlier in my life.” — Steph Curry [20:30]
• He cites his 54-point game at Madison Square Garden as the moment the league started to take notice:
  • “People started to talk about you a little different once I had had that night… I appreciate that little stamp of validation.” — Steph Curry [21:54]

6. Carrying the “Underrated” Chip—Even Now

[23:14–25:43]

• Curry explains why he still feels “underrated” despite his unprecedented accomplishments:
  • “It's the healthy insecurity... I have to prove to myself that I can still do it… that's what drives me.” — Steph Curry [23:29]
• He notes how critics repeatedly doubt the Warriors’ dynasty, only to be proven wrong:
  • “Once you're successful, you got the target on your back... so it's just a part of the nature of winning.” — Steph Curry [25:01]

7. Team Dynamics and Looking Ahead

[25:43–28:32]

• On adding Chris Paul and maintaining the Warriors’ core, Curry expresses confidence in evolving but still contending at the highest level.
• He regularly marvels in private at how far he’s come:
  • “All the time… we've tried to maintain that as much as possible because I just have so much fun playing this game.” — Steph Curry [27:12]

8. Joy on the Court and Transforming the Game

[28:32–31:52]

• Curry’s playing style is marked by visible joy and creativity, which he tries to maintain intentionally:
  • “I vowed and been very intentional about bringing joy to every environment I go into, because I feel like that's what helps me again, tap into the moment…” — Steph Curry [29:04]
• On revolutionizing basketball, he advises the next generation:
  • “You can't cheat it without the work that goes into it… I've actually taken and made [over] 500,000 [practice] shots.” — Steph Curry [30:47]

9. Longevity, Greatness, and Life After Hoops

[31:52–33:25]

• Curry contemplates basketball’s end, drawing inspiration from LeBron and Tom Brady’s longevity, with renewed urgency to maximize his final NBA years.

10. All-Time Lists and Competitive Spirit

[33:36–36:36]

• On the greatest shooter: Curry names Ray Allen.
  • “I'd say Ray Allen… his form, his dedication to his craft, he had big shots in his career. He checked a lot of boxes.” — Steph Curry [33:43]
• Toughest defenders: Jrue Holiday, Tony Allen, Ron Artest.
• On the GOAT debate: “There are multiple goats… they've all changed the way basketball's played… it's a great barbershop debate.” — Steph Curry [35:37]

11. Giving Back: Foundation Work and Family

[36:36–38:19]

• Curry shares the mission of Eat. Learn. Play., his foundation with wife Aisha, focused on providing nutrition, literacy, active lifestyles for kids—especially in underserved communities.
  • “It's an unbelievable foundation that we've been able to establish… Elearn Play has been a huge part of us giving back.” — Steph Curry [36:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On overcoming the odds:
  “It's not just a basketball story… I encourage anybody to find what makes you different, what makes you unique, what you have to offer the world and own it.” — Steph Curry [10:36]

• On staying “underrated”:
  “I have to prove to myself that I can still do it, and I can still do it for as long as I can. That's what drives me.” — Steph Curry [23:29]

• On game-changing joy:
  “I vowed and been very intentional about bringing joy to every environment I go into…if I'm having fun, that means I'm gonna work.” — Steph Curry [29:04]

• On changing basketball:
  “I want [kids] to have the confidence that, you know, they can play the game that way, but you can't cheat it without the work that goes into it.” — Steph Curry [30:47]

• On family and foundation:
  “To be able to acknowledge [everyone who helped me], while also fulfilling a promise to the most important people in my life was, was truly special.” — Steph Curry [19:02]

Supplementary: Golf, Family, and Life Lessons

[38:44–44:53]

• The episode rounds out with lighthearted golf tips and banter as Curry and Geist hit balls together, reflecting on golf’s humbling nature, shared time with family, and the importance of accessible sports experiences for kids.
• Curry’s gratitude shines through in his reflections on his dad’s mentorship—on the court and the golf course.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Golf Victory & Passion — [02:20–06:40]
• Underrated Origins & Mindset — [06:40–13:09]
• Davidson, Coach McKillop, Breakout Year — [13:09–17:39]
• Earning His Degree—Family Promise — [17:39–19:41]
• NBA Draft Criticism & Breakout Game — [20:00–23:14]
• Still Underrated Mentality — [23:14–25:43]
• Warriors Team Dynamics & Legacy — [25:43–28:32]
• Joyful Style & Transforming Basketball — [28:32–31:52]
• Longevity & GOAT Debates — [31:52–36:36]
• Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation — [36:36–38:19]
• Golf Banter & Life Lessons — [38:44–44:53]

Episode Tone & Takeaway

Curry’s humility, humor, and intentionality are evident throughout. Whether recounting a thrilling golf shot, crediting family and mentors, or challenging the next generation to work relentlessly for their dreams, he is both relatable and inspiring. Geist’s conversational, respectful tone draws out a portrait not just of a basketball icon, but of a father, leader, and tireless advocate for others.

For listeners and fans, this episode offers a masterclass in perseverance and gratitude, illuminating why Steph Curry’s impact has transcended sports.