As the nation’s top point guard, Trevon Duval prepares to take his talents to the east coast, Malik Curry has become to go to guard at Advanced Preparatory (TX) International. After the graduation of 4-star forward, Mark Vital and the transfer of 5-star forward, Billy Preston, API must depend on Curry to provide a veteran presence, as he enters his junior year. “I’ve had to gain maturity because [at API] I'm living with a coach and my family isn’t there.”

This added sense of responsibility has certainly paid dividends and will continue to, as he focuses on his game and the recruiting process.

 

Although he is yet to receive his first college offer, that should change quickly with schools such as Cincinnati, Alabama, and Quinnipiac all showing interest. “Cincinnati is one of the main schools that I would like to go to,” said Curry. “I’m just trying to get some offers and build my stock.”

This summer, Curry did exactly that, playing with Beast Mode 16u. He also played for WER1, but not alongside former high school teammate, Trevon Duval. Although Curry and Duval didn't play together, Curry made sure to take full advantage of his time playing with Duval at API. “I go at him every day at practice,” explained Curry. “It only helps me get better. He might score a lot on me, but it’s only helping my defense.”

 

While Curry will be relied on to lead this year’s API’s team, it was only a couple years ago that he moved from Delaware to Texas, in hopes of taking his game to the next level. While the move has surely benefited him, it has it’s drawbacks, as he explains, “Leaving my mom was difficult because she’s the strongest person in my life.” he continued. “At first, when I went [to API] I was nervous, but now I know that was the best move for me and it’s only made me better.”

A primary factor in Curry’s success at API has been the supporting cast around him. Last year, Curry played with numerous four and five-star recruits, including Duval, which inspired him to go out and earn scholarships of his own, as he said, “It’s motivation to me. That’s what I want to have when I get to that level.” With Curry’s expected increased playing time, college coaches should start to take notice and he will most likely land some offers.

 

When it comes to Curry, he is more than just a basketball player. One of the most important parts of being a student-athlete is being devoted to academics, and throughout high school, Curry has shown that he is just as devoted to school as he is to basketball, saying, “I just have to put the willpower in my head to do my work.  If you really want to do something, you go and do it.”

Now, as Malik Curry prepares to take over the lead role for Advanced Prep International, expectations are high. Not only has Curry been able to overcome leaving his family to join API, but he has also had to adapt to the numerous transfers of his high school teammates, further cementing the fact that he is a special player in the Class of 2018. He proves that fact when he says, “It’s only going to get better from here.”