Stephen Curry is the greatest show in all of sports, and he stands among a select few players who can rightfully claim to have changed the game of basketball. Similar to how he shaped the game with his ability to stretch the floor, Curry continues to advance the game of basketball off the floor in a variety of ways. From establishing the Eat.Learn.Play foundation with his wife Ayesha Curry to signing a monumental talent deal with Comcast NBCUniversal, the Curry brand continues to expand and change the game (for good).

In his latest move, Curry is becoming active in the NIL space, with his SC30 Inc. organization agreeing to a partnership with UConn freshman guard Azzi Fudd. Fudd was the consensus No. 1 recruit in the class of 2021 and committed to UConn last November.

As part of the name, image, and likeness contract, Curry and SC30 Inc. will look to provide professional services and business opportunities to Fudd, while Curry also plans to personally mentor her as she progresses throughout her basketball career, per The Associated Press.

The aforementioned NIL policy, which was adopted by the NCAA back in June, allows collegiate athletes to benefit from their name, image, and likeness without being penalized. Since the policy adoption, collegiate athletes have signed endorsements with various brands and have even inked podcast deals. The move ushered in a new era for athletes to take more direct command of their careers early on.

In Azzi Fudd’s agreement with SC30 Inc., we’re seeing one of the future faces of women’s basketball partnering with undoubtedly one of the NBA’s most innovative players in history in Stephen Curry, and ultimately the partnership is great to see for the game of basketball and for the future of the sport. If you were to take a look at the two’s history, then the partnership easily makes sense and is even more wholehearted.

Fudd has known Curry ever since attending one of his camps years ago, and this partnership is only the next step in what will prove to be a bright future. As Fudd mentioned to The Associated Press:

“Since I first met Steph at his camp a few years ago, I've stayed connected to him and have always admired his incredible talent and accomplishments, but also his humility and the impact he has on people… As I continue to focus on becoming the best player and student I can be while in college, I also look forward to broadening my understanding of business and life beyond basketball. This partnership with Steph and his SC30 team will help me do that. I'm really excited about everything we'll do together in the future."

Stephen Curry has achieved incredible success at the highest level of basketball, and he’s never been shy about shining a light on those who helped pave the way for him, while never forgetting to give back as thanks for the blessings that have come his way. With this latest move, it’s important to note how Steph will of course assist Azzi with her career on the court, but it can’t be overlooked at the impact he’ll have in mentoring her in the facets of life beyond basketball.

A basketball career is finite, but having a mentor that can help guide for what’s to come afterward is monumental.

Even after the final buzzer sounds, the work doesn’t stop for Curry. Just like he continuously moves around the court for an open shot, he’s consistently looking for the next opportunity to give back and invest in the future of the game of basketball. SC30 Inc.’s latest partnership with Azzi Fudd is likely only the beginning, and eyes will be on the lookout for the next move Curry makes in continuing to change the game of basketball. For good.

(Photo credit: Under Armour)