In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, the NBA preseason is not just a precursor to the main event. It’s a proving ground where aspiring talent hustles for a spot on the main roster. One young player making a name for himself this preseason is Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie out of Xavier, whose performance for the Los Angeles Lakers turned heads, particularly in their preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
An Impressive Performance Against the Warriors
Despite a lopsided defeat where the Lakers fell to the Warriors 132-74, Quincy Olivari was a shining beacon on the court. Olivari tallied 22 points and hauled in seven rebounds, showcasing a remarkable display of shooting prowess as he went 5 for 9 from the three-point territory. Notably, across the four preseason games, Olivari averaged nearly nine points. His overall shooting from beyond the arc stood at an impressive 8-for-14, a statistic that has likely piqued the interest of Lakers’ management as they finalize their opening night roster.
A Memorable Encounter
Olivari’s impressive performance was only part of the narrative from that game. Adding a personal highlight to his budding career, Olivari got the chance to meet his basketball idol, Stephen Curry. Though Curry did not play in the game, his presence loomed large over the evening. For Olivari, meeting Curry was nothing short of a dream realized. "It's crazy because I've liked him since I was in like sixth grade. I don't even know what to say, man. Like, that's my favorite player ever," Olivari revealed, reflecting the awe and admiration in his voice.
Curry’s impact was far-reaching, stretching beyond the court and into Olivari’s personal life. The young guard fondly shared, "I had his jersey -- he signed it twice. I used to sleep under that jersey. And like, I just wanted to be like him so badly."
The Exchange of Admiration
The meeting was not just a one-sided affair in terms of admiration. Olivari was taken aback when Curry expressed his appreciation for the rookie’s game. "The first thing he told me was like, 'I'm a big fan of your game,' and truth be told, I'm a big fan of him," Olivari recounted. The exchange between the rookie and the NBA star culminated in a gesture that Olivari will likely cherish forever—a pair of Curry’s shoes, personalized and autographed.
"Just to be able to meet him, him being able to have some respect for me, and then us to talk in the back -- he gave me a pair of his shoes and signed them. That meant the world to me, man," Olivari stated, his words steeped in appreciation and disbelief. It is a story that might resonate with fans who understand the profound impact of meeting one’s heroes.
A Journey Forward
As the clock ticks down to the Lakers’ opening night, Quincy Olivari is at a crossroads. His performances have certainly put him on the radar, but whether he secures a coveted spot on the Lakers’ roster remains uncertain. However, irrespective of the outcome, Olivari’s journey from an undrafted hopeful to a budding talent who caught the attention of one of the NBA's greatest is a testament to his skill and determination.
For Olivari, sharing this milestone with his family adds another layer of significance. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot." These words reflect a young athlete’s gratitude for the support surrounding him and his anticipation of what lies ahead.
As Olivari waits for the official word on his future with the Lakers, he has already achieved a personal victory—earning the respect of his idol and gaining confidence in his abilities on the NBA stage. Whether or not he dons the purple and gold officially, Quincy Olivari has certainly started his professional journey on a high note, and the wider basketball community will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on his next moves.