Draft:Curtis Staples
American basketball player and coach
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Draft: Curtis_Staples
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 14, 1976 Roanoke, Virginia, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 198 lb (90 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Patrick Henry (Roanoke, Virginia); Oak Hill Academy |
| College | University of Virginia (1994–1998) |
| NBA draft | 1998: undrafted |
| Position | Shooting guard |
| Coaching career | 2010–2017 |
| Career history | |
| 2002–2003 | Huntsville Flight |
| 2003–2004 | Roanoke Dazzle |
| Career highlights | |
| |
Curtis Staples (born July 14, 1976) is an American former professional basketball player, coach, executive, and scout. He is best known for his collegiate career with the Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball program at the University of Virginia, where he became one of the most prolific three-point shooters in NCAA Division I men's basketball NCAA Division I history.[1]
During his college career from 1994 to 1998, Staples set the NCAA Division I record for career three-point field goals with 413 and scored 1,757 career points.[2] The record stood for nearly eight years before being surpassed in 2006. In recognition of his contributions to the program, the University of Virginia retired his No. 5 jersey in 2006 during the inaugural game at John Paul Jones Arena.[3]
Staples later played professional basketball internationally and in developmental leagues in the United States before transitioning into coaching, business leadership, and basketball operations. He currently works in talent evaluation as a scout for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association.
Beyond basketball, Staples has founded business ventures in real estate development and premium transportation and has supported youth mentorship and charitable initiatives since the late 1990s.
Early life and high school career
Staples was born in Roanoke, Virginia. As a sophomore, he was the leading scorer on the 1992 Patrick Henry High School state championship team.
Staples later transferred to Oak Hill Academy, where he was the team's leading scorer and helped the program capture the USA Today and ESPN national championships.
In 1994, Staples was named Virginia Mr. Basketball and selected as a McDonald's All-American.[4] establishing himself as one of the top high school basketball prospects in the nation.
Education
Staples earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia while competing as a member of the Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball program from 1994 to 1998.
Following his professional basketball career, Staples pursued legal studies at Northwestern California University School of Law.
College career
Staples played for the Virginia Cavaliers from 1994 to 1998 under head coach Jeff Jones.
During his collegiate career he:
- Scored 1,757 career points
- Made 413 three-point field goals, setting the NCAA Division I career record at the time
- Earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors in 1998
- Set the Virginia single-season three-point record with 130 made three-pointers during the 1997–98 season[5]
His NCAA record for career three-point field goals stood until 2006, when J. J. Redick of Duke University surpassed it.[6]
Staples also played a key role on Virginia’s 1994–95 NCAA Tournament team that advanced to the Elite Eight.
In recognition of his accomplishments, the University of Virginia retired Staples’ No. 5 jersey on November 12, 2006.[7]
Three-point record
Staples broke the all-time NCAA Division I record for career three-point field goals, previously held by Radford University's Doug Day, finishing with 413.[8]
The record stood until February 14, 2006, when Duke guard J. J. Redick surpassed it. Redick had previously attended a youth basketball clinic conducted by Staples and later said, “I was a big Curtis Staples fan.”[9]
Staples attended the record-breaking game and later commented that Redick deserved the achievement.[10]
Professional playing career
After graduating from Virginia, Staples began his professional basketball career in 1999.
He participated in NBA opportunities including:
- Chicago Bulls (1999)
- Portland Trail Blazers Summer League (2001)
Staples also played professionally overseas for eight seasons in European leagues and in the United States developmental league.
Teams included:
Coaching career
Virginia Episcopal School
Staples served as head basketball coach at Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, Virginia from 2010 to 2017.[11]
During his tenure he:
- Won two state championships
- Received multiple Coach of the Year honors
- Developed more than 120 collegiate basketball players
- Produced over 35 NCAA Division I players
Lakeway Christian Academy
Staples later served as head basketball coach at Lakeway Christian Academy in White Pine, Tennessee.
In his first season leading the program, the Lions finished with a 25–1 record and won the National Association of Christian Athletes (NACA) national championship.[12]
Following the season, Staples was named the Citizen Tribune All-Lakeway Area Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.[13]
Staples was again named the Lakeway Area Boys Basketball Coach of the Year by the Citizen Tribune in 2025 after his final season leading the program.[14]
In addition to coaching, Staples supported student development and institutional initiatives including mentoring student-athletes pursuing collegiate opportunities and assisting with fundraising and student recruitment programs.
Basketball operations and scouting
Following his coaching career, Staples transitioned into professional basketball operations. He currently serves as a scout for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association, where he evaluates amateur and professional talent and contributes to player personnel decisions
Business and entrepreneurship
Staples has pursued entrepreneurial ventures including real estate development projects and a premium transportation company that secured contracts with major airlines.
Philanthropy
Staples has been involved in community service and youth development initiatives throughout his career.
He has also organized charity golf tournaments benefiting nonprofit organizations, including the Jubilee Family Development Center in Lynchburg, Virginia and programs assisting families affected by multiple sclerosis.
Since 1997, Staples has organized summer basketball camps for youth, providing instruction and mentorship to young athletes. Over the course of his career, he has also collaborated with organizations such as the YMCA of the Roanoke Valley to support youth athletic development programs.
Personal life
Staples is the father of two sons and married Alani Staples in 2010. Together, they have been involved in mentoring initiatives and charitable programs focused on supporting students, expanding access to educational opportunities, and fostering leadership and character development.
Career statistics
| School | Years | Points | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 1994–1998 | 1,757 | 413 |
Honors and awards
- McDonald's All-American (1994)
- Virginia Mr. Basketball (1994)
- All-ACC (1998)
- NCAA Division I career three-point record holder (1998–2006)
- Virginia Cavaliers No. 5 jersey retired (2006)
- Citizen Tribune Lakeway Area Boys Basketball Coach of the Year (2019)
- Citizen Tribune Lakeway Area Boys Basketball Coach of the Year (2025)