In the world of professional basketball, the NBA preseason is often a proving ground for aspiring players seeking to make their mark. For Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie from Xavier, this year's preseason presented a golden opportunity. Making a notable appearance in the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors, Olivari showcased his potential on the court, despite the team's lopsided 132-74 loss.
A Standout Performance
Quincy Olivari turned heads during the game against the Warriors in San Francisco, emerging as a bright spot for the Lakers. With a personal tally of 22 points and seven rebounds, Olivari demonstrated his scoring ability and tenacity. His impressive 5-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc was a highlight, affirming his prowess in long-range shooting. Across four preseason games, Olivari averaged nearly nine points per game and maintained a commendable cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from 3-point range.
Such performances are the moments that undrafted players like Olivari thrive on, especially in a franchise with the storied reputation of the Lakers. With each game, Olivari showcases his potential and heightens his chances of securing a spot on the Lakers’ opening night roster.
Meeting a Basketball Idol
However, the preseason brought more than just on-court statistics to Olivari's experience. He had the opportunity to meet Stephen Curry, a superstar who sat out the game against the Lakers. For Olivari, this meeting was nothing short of a dream culminated. "It's crazy because I've liked him since I was in like sixth grade," Olivari shared, expressing a sense of awe and disbelief. "I don't even know what to say, man. Like that's my favorite player ever."
The respect seemed mutual, as Olivari recalled Curry's words: "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." It's these moments that remind fans and players alike of the camaraderie and respect within the sport, transcending roles and team allegiances.
A Gift to Treasure
Beyond a simple meeting, Curry further extended his appreciation by gifting Olivari a pair of signed shoes. For the young player, this was a gesture that held immense personal value, echoing back to his childhood dreams. "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," Olivari reminisced.
The encounter was a milestone moment for Olivari, both professionally and personally. "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," he described, capturing the emotion that accompanied the experience. He continued, "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot."
Future Prospects
As Olivari awaits the decision on his inclusion in the Lakers’ roster, his performance and demeanor continue to speak volumes. In an arena where the stakes are high and competition fierce, he has demonstrated promise and tenacity, keys to navigating the unpredictable landscape of the NBA. The preseason may be just the beginning for Quincy Olivari, who continues to hold onto his basketball dreams while creating his own memorable moments on the court.
For fans and analysts, Olivari’s story is a testament to the opportunities the NBA's preseason provides, where talent, dedication, and a bit of hero-worship can converge into something truly special.