The "L.A. in my Game," with Craig Smith
Posted: Thu Jun 9, 2011 3:00 am
AK: So what is the move or part of your game that was specifically nurtured in L.A.? The "L.A. in your game?"
CS: I would definitely have to say, what everybody in my crew calls the "old curl." Around age 13 or 14. Even though we were at that age, we were around six-feet, six-two, and so we still had to go against bigger players. It was kind of like a floater, but at the same time, like a hook. In between a floater and a hook. I did a shot, and one of my friends said, "Man, that was like an old curl!" And everybody (sings), "Old curl! Old curl!" Every time we'd shoot that, you had to say "old curl" before it. I've been doing the old curl ever since. If you catch somebody off guard, nobody can really react to it. Even if you're a shot blocker, it's like a quick push shot.
Q: Where was the old curl invented?
CS: Where was I when that happened? Middle school, I think. It was John Burroughs Middle School. Man, John Burroughs! I'm glad that they cleaned it up. When we were younger, it was more gang-infested, but I think since they put those uniforms and stuff on (the students), it definitely changed. It's definitely better for kids. After school, they used to have gangs who would come up to the schools and try to jack people and try to jump people. It was crazy.
AK: How much does it mean to you to have your professional career here?
CS: Oh, man, it means a lot. The last time I played at home, as far as college and the start of the league. I was east coast and Midwest. Getting a chance to play in front of my family and friends as a professional? It's a totally different perspective. Very humbling, too.
Adam Kamenetzky, ESPN Los Angeles