FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Curry Honored Through His Work with Big Apple Basketball.
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Former Saint Michael's men's basketball star Jason Curry was recently named Junior Knicks Coach of the Year by the NBA's New York Knicks, being publicly recognized for the honor at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, March 9.
Curry is president and founder of New York City-based Big Apple Basketball (BAB), which has trained and mentored student-athletes since 1999. He is responsible for all aspects of daily operations, coaches the Pro Summer Team, and is the lead clinician for the Basketball Training program. Curry has created and implemented all BAB programs, including the High School Challenge, High School Invitational, Scholarship Games, Shooting Challenge, Academic Eligibility Seminar, Basketball Training, and Mentoring Program. BAB's mission is to provide exposure and assist young people in their athletic, educational, professional, and life-skill development, while providing family- and community-focused programs and events. Visit bigapplebasketball.com for more information.
"I've been blessed to have an amazing support system of friends and volunteers who have helped me live my vision and mission of Big Apple Basketball," Curry said in a statement. "There are so many great coaches and mentors in the New York City area who go unnoticed, that it's a privilege to even be recognized in this capacity."
Curry becomes a candidate for the national NBA Junior Coach of the Year award, following his distinction with the Knicks, which was voted upon through social media. Curry's selection also coming thanks to input from the Knicks and the Hospital for Special Surgery, the contest's sponsor. He received the news about his win through a call from two-time NBA All-Star and 2000 Olympic gold medalist Allan Houston, a long-time Knick. Curry and seven of his youth players were honored before 19,000 fans in MSG during the Knicks' game with the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. He received a $5,000 grant and advances to the national Jr. NBA Coach of the Year competition. National semifinalists and finalists for the NBA Junior Coach of the Year award will be announced in April.
A 2009 inductee into the Saint Michael's Athletic Hall of Fame, Curry was a two-time captain as one of the greatest point guards in program history. He graduated first all-time in career assists (514) and free throw percentage (82.0%), second in three-point shooting (40.5%) and third in steals (156) while scoring 897 points and averaging 1.9 assists to every turnover. His 48.4 percent three-point clip in 1993-94 remains the school standard.
-Release provided by Saint Michael's athletic communications staff-
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