Catching up with Stephen Curry

USA Men’s World Championship Team coach Mike Krzyzewski’s roster was so deep this summer, his bench of NBA starters featured a 20-plus scorer, the reigning Rookie of the Year runner-up and several former All-Stars. Near the end of the bench sat Stephen Curry, the aforementioned second-place freshman finisher, who Krzyzewski called upon 10 minutes a night. It wasn’t his talent that kept Curry on the bench, it was the talent in front of him that did.

Curry has shown signs of becoming one of the league’s top point guards in just his second season, which he’s averaging 21.7 points and 6.8 assists. Those numbers are big reason behind the Golden State Warriors’ 6-2 start.

USABasketball.com caught up with Curry to discuss his experience playing for the gold-medal winning USA National Team.

What was the overall experience like this summer?

“It was a great experience being able to play for the national team, which is a dream come true for me and a lot of the other guys on the team. A lot of people didn’t know what to expect from us over there without the big stars that everybody was making a big deal about. For us to go there and play the way we did, led by K.D. and D. Rose and Chauncey and Russ, all those guys stuck together and bonded really well and got the job done. It was a great experience.”

Being one of the youngest guys on the roster, how did this experience help your growth into a second-year NBA player?

“It has given me a lot more confidence. I always think I can play against anybody. To be recognized as one of the 12 guys to go represent our country overseas just gave me a boost in confidence. I really watched Chauncey and the way he is a professional and the way he led our team vocally. He really helped me bring that leadership back to the Warriors as a point guard. I think that will help me as I go along.”

What is your favorite overseas memory?

“Standing on the podium with the confetti falling and the gold medal around our neck. I think that was one of the best feelings. A select few have been in that situation so it was a great moment and something I’ll always remember.”

Where do you store your medal?

“I have it in a case with my shoes and a ball signed by all the 12 guys on our team.”

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have both said they want to be part of USA Basketball in 2012. What are your thoughts on that?

“I just think that the U.S. is back on the top of international basketball and we have two years for everybody to keep getting better, keep working on our game and figuring out when that time comes around to work hard so the best 12 make it.”