Stephen Curry is widely regarded as the most exceptional shooter in NBA history, and his unprecedented skills have had a transformative impact on the game. Although Curry’s influence is undeniable, it is essential to acknowledge that he was not the pioneer in revolutionizing NBA player tactics.
Interestingly, if it weren’t for Hank Luisetti from Stanford, Curry might not have had the opportunity to revolutionize the sport. Luisetti is revered as the visionary who introduced the concept of the jump shot, a fundamental technique that has now become a cornerstone of basketball.
“We took a trip to New York, where we had the amazing opportunity to play basketball in Madison Square Garden and completely revolutionize the game,” recounted Walter Vincenti, the manager of Stanford’s basketball team in 1936. Vincenti fondly reminisced about the uniqueness of the team’s star player, Luisetti, who introduced a groundbreaking shooting technique that transformed the game.
During that era, most players relied on either hook shots or the traditional two-handed set shot. However, Luisetti stood out by being the first to utilize jump shots. This innovative approach quickly gained attention and admiration, prompting other players to imitate him. As a result, basketball transitioned into a more fast-paced and open game.
Although there is some contention regarding the true inventor of the jump shot, Luisetti undeniably played a significant role in popularizing it. This phenomenon parallels the case of Stephen Curry, who popularized the three-point shot despite not being its creator.
Overall, Luisetti’s contribution to basketball cannot be understated, as he propelled the rise of the jump shot and forever altered the way the game is played.
Luisetti revolutionized the game with his running jump shot, much like how Curry’s three-point shot has transformed basketball today. What made Luisetti’s jump shot so groundbreaking was its ability to speed up the pace of the game. In the past, players would take their time to set up their shots, resulting in a slow and methodical style of play. However, Luisetti’s jump shot introduced a faster and smoother approach. This not only led to higher scores but also made the game more thrilling for most spectators.
While many embraced Luisetti’s shooting style, there were some skeptics who criticized its impact on the game. During a match between Stanford and the top-ranked Long Island University, a journalist penned an article expressing disapproval of Luisetti’s shooting technique. The writer went as far as labeling some of his shots as reckless if attempted by any other player.
However, Luisetti and his innovative shooting technique, which his teammates adopted, embarked on an ambitious task. They were determined to defeat the heavily favored Long Island team, who held the top seed.
The match took place at Madison Square Garden, and Long Island entered with an impressive 43-game winning streak. The arena was filled to capacity as spectators eagerly anticipated the chance to witness the renowned Long Island team in action.
Stanford basketball radio analyst, John Platz, believed that fans should be flocking to the stadium to witness Luisetti’s skills. He questioned why Luisetti wasn’t held in higher esteem considering his reputation at Stanford.
In the game against Long Island, Luisetti contributed 15 points, leading Stanford to a triumphant 45-31 victory. This momentous win brought Long Island’s remarkable winning streak to an end and introduced the world to Luisetti and his groundbreaking jump shot.
Stephen Curry: Revolutionizing the Game
Stephen Curry entered the NBA in 2009, and at that time, teams averaged 18.1 three-point attempts per game. Fast forward to the 2022-23 season, and the league average had risen to 34.2 per game.
Curry played a pivotal role in instigating this change because not only did he opt for a high volume of three-point attempts, but he also had an outstanding success rate. In his rookie year, Curry averaged 4.8 three-point attempts per game.
During Curry’s historic 2015-16 season, where he received the unprecedented unanimous MVP title, he attempted an astonishing 11.2 threes and made an impressive 5.1 per game. Such exceptional shooting by Curry compelled every team to revamp their strategies.
Presently, it is not uncommon for centers to venture beyond the arc and launch three-pointers, a practice actively encouraged by coaching staff. In the 1990s, any center attempting a three would have likely been swiftly benched.
Undoubtedly, the game has undergone significant transformation. Initially, Hank Luisetti revolutionized the game with his innovative jump shot, and more recently, Stephen Curry reshaped it with his incredible three-point shooting.
Basketball continues to evolve, ensuring its enduring appeal and providing continuous excitement for fans.