Former Bulls center tells Metea students, 'Pressure is good'

It was only the second day of classes at Metea Valley High School in Aurora when a former pro athlete and a reality TV star stopped by.

Former Chicago Bulls center Eddy Curry and his wife, Patrice Curry, one of the stars of the VH1 reality show "Basketball Wives LA," spoke with small groups of students Wednesday.

Their messages encouraged students to overcome obstacles and make positive decisions as they delve into a fresh school year.

"Pressure is good, man. Pressure makes diamonds, man. Diamonds shine, man. Diamonds are valuable," said Curry, a 12-year NBA player from Thornwood High School in South Holland, who spent five years with the Bulls after the team selected him with the fourth draft pick in 2001. "Everything you do here is going to prepare you for your life."

The Currys came to Metea after appearing at an Aurora back-to-school fair Sunday hosted by Ward 7 Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns and Main Baptist Church.

"Patrice and Eddy were there to help get the kids in the community ready for school," said Jennifer Rowe, dean of students at Metea.