CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina transportation leaders approved the renaming of the Exit 30 interchange on Interstate 77 after NBA superstar Steph Curry.
Davidson leaders first proposed the name change a few weeks ago. The exit, which is for Griffith Street in Davidson, will be renamed the "Steph Curry interchange" in honor of the former Davidson Wildcat star. The exit number matches Curry's jersey number, which he's worn his entire career, including Davidson.
Davidson commissioners voted on the issue in late November, but it wasn't unanimous. Commissioner Tracy Mattison Brandon voted against the resolution, resulting in a 4-1 vote. Typically, the North Carolina Department of Transportation wants a unanimous vote, but the agency decided to keep the request on its agenda for Thursday's meeting.
Exit 30 in Davidson is where Griffith Street crosses over I-77. The intersection is under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, which is why the town must request renaming it and can't just make the call without the state's approval. NCDOT said the town must provide an opportunity for public feedback and a resolution of support before it will grant the request.
Curry put Davidson basketball in the spotlight during his historic career. After breaking the NCAA record for most three-pointers made by a freshman, the Charlotte native led Davidson to the Elite 8 in 2008 with wins over Gonzaga, Georgetown and Wisconsin. He was a first-team All-American during his final season at Davidson before being drafted by Golden State in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft.
"Stephen Curry is widely considered to be the greatest shooter and one of the greatest players in NBA history," the town's resolution says. "He is credited with revolutionizing the game of basketball by inspiring teams, from high school to the NBA, to regularly use the three-point shot."
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