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Good news for PC hoopsters: Curry is back in action |
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Monday, 20 October 2008 |
By BRENDAN McGAIR
Sports writer
PROVIDENCE – From the “take this to the bank” department: Sharaud Curry isn’t about to challenge anyone in the 100-yard dash. Rest assured, also, that Michael Phelps’ groundbreaking performance at the Beijing Olympics won’t be challenged, this despite Curry participating in healthy doses of aquatic therapy.
“Yeah, I’m a pretty good swimmer,” grinned Curry, who mentioned he spent countless hours rehabbing in the pool.
The mere presence of Curry standing on the Mullaney Gymnasium hardwood Friday is a sight that should uplift the spirit of Friar fans. The red-shirt junior, wasn’t sporting his fashion statement of last season, a protective boot on his twice-broken right foot. As Providence was set to usher in a new season, Curry was spotted wearing practice gear and holding a basketball.
The wardrobe choice is cause for optimism in Friartown, which sports a new sheriff in first-year head coach Keno Davis. While there’s still lingering pain he’ll be forced to contend with, Curry, like the rest of his PC teammates, is focusing on what lies ahead.
“My body feels as good as it has in awhile. My foot, it bothers me, but it’s to the point where I can deal,” said Curry. “It will get better and better as I continue to play. Just from playing a month ago to now, I can feel the difference in terms of my game.”
Despite his mighty-mite size, the 5-foot-10 Curry is largely regarded as the key to any success the Friars hope to taste. Before the reoccurring foot problems, Curry was viewed as an up-and-comer. Earning Big East laurels in his first two seasons back up that claim. So too does the near 15 points and four assists Curry averaged as a sophomore.
Then came last year, which was deemed a lost year for both Curry and Providence. Curry tried to give it the old college try after the initial break, but was limited to only eight minutes. Instead he watched as a host of teammates, from Pawtucket’s Jeff Xavier to forward Geoff McDermott, struggled to fill the ballhandling void.
The ending wasn’t pretty as the Friars finished 15-16. The record was barely good enough to earn the final spot in the Big East Tournament, but the squeak job couldn’t save Tim Welsh from getting fired after 10 seasons.
“Other teams did a good job showing our weakness,” said Curry. “It was tough sitting on the bench, knowing I couldn’t help.”
While the hiring of Davis was viewed as a fresh start, the truth is that Davis would have encountered the same problems that dogged Welsh. Having a healthy Curry is critical since he’s the lone point guard listed on the roster.
When the boot was discarded over the summer, it removed lingering doubts from Curry’s mind regarding whether he would suit up for the Friars again.
“I just had to stay positive, keep my head up,” he said. “but after a while you start to get down. I just couldn’t wait to get healthy again. Now that (the boot is officially discarded), it’s a great feeling. I was very cautious in the beginning, but now I’m starting to get more comfortable.”
Curry’s dedication was reaffirmed on his decision to remain in town to strengthen up instead of flying home to his native Gainsville, Ga. Shortly before classes began, he was on the court taking part in NCAA-sanctioned practices.
“As soon as I got the boot off, I was working hard every day,” he said. “The first time Keno and (the assistants) saw me, they were shocked at how far along I was. They weren’t expecting me to be ready when school started in terms of how healthy I was.”
Curry isn’t about to transform into a 36-minute-per-night guy. There’s still the matter of getting into game shape., let alone pin a fixed amount of minutes.
That said, Curry understands just how valuable he is to PC’s cause.
“I’m just worried about getting as healthy as a can, just helping the team,” said Curry. “Being the only point guard on the roster, I have to be ready. I’ve been working extremely hard to get to the point to where I can run the team.”
“I’m sure he would like to be back at midseason form right now. You know that’s not going to happen,” said Davis. “You want him to be pain-free and have time to knock the rust off. His timing will take a little bit, but he will be good to go (for the season-opener Nov. 15 at the Dunk against Northeastern).”
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 01 November 2008 )
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Saturday night I attended the semi-final girls basketball
game vs Townies Girls team as an aunt of one of the EP players. It was an exciting
all-around game for both teams, and I give credit to my niece and the Townie girls
too for a great season. <br />I just have to say though, that I was
particularly impressed with the talent, poise and unflappable playing style of this
Tolman girls team! It can only speak well of a great coaching staff, and their love
and encouragement of these talented girls. After the game, the low-key humilty that
the Tolman girls displayed, showed real sportsmanship and class. I have a feeling
that this season is the "Year of the Tiger" and hope that they go straight on to
victory in the championship. No matter what the outcome though, they've gained a new
loyal fan in me, and I look forward to following the next seasons with real
interest. This is the way that high school sports should be played! You go Tolman
girls! - Regina Orio
THANK YOU TO THE PAWTUCKET TIMES AND THE WOONSOCKET CALL
FORV THEIR GREAT COVERAGE OF HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING IN YOUR PAPERS IT IS VERY MUCH APPERICATED!! A SPECIAL THANKS TO TERRY NEAU FOR HIS EXCELLENT COVERAGE OF CUMBERLAND CLIPPERS WRESTLING AND FOP ALL THE GREAT PICTURES YOU PUT IN THE CALL THEY ARE AWESOME!!!THANKS AGAIN!!! - Dawn Lariviere
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