In the often unpredictable world of the NBA preseason, where fresh faces and undrafted talents vie for their chance to shine, one aspiring player made a notable impression. Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie from Xavier, lit up the court during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors. While the Lakers stumbled to a hefty 132-74 defeat in San Francisco, Olivari was a beacon of hope amid the loss.
Olivari's performance was nothing short of remarkable. Scoring 22 points and grabbing seven rebounds, the rookie showcased his potential against one of the league's most formidable teams. His precision from the 3-point line was particularly eye-catching, netting five of his nine attempts. Over the course of four preseason games, Olivari averaged nearly nine points, with a cumulative 8-for-14 shooting record from beyond the arc. This kind of sharpshooting is exactly what teams like the Lakers need to bolster their lineup with young, energetic talent.
However, Olivari’s standout performance wasn’t the only highlight of his evening. A personal encounter with NBA superstar Stephen Curry turned an average game into a lifetime memory. Though Curry did not take the court that night, his interaction with Olivari was an unforgettable experience for the rookie. "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 confessed, illustrating the profound impact the moment had on him.
The exchange between the two players was mutually appreciative. "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 said. Their conversation carried far beyond the typical player-to-player small talk. For Olivari, meeting Curry wasn't just about the present; it was the fulfillment of a childhood dream, as he candidly 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."
What truly cemented the night’s significance for Olivari was when Curry, in an act of generosity and respect, gifted him a pair of signed shoes. "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, clearly still processing the magnitude of the experience.
Olivari's journey, from idolizing a basketball icon to earning his admiration, served as a poignant reminder of the power of sports to inspire and connect individuals from different paths. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," Olivari added, acknowledging how much the encounter would resonate with his family and perhaps motivate him in his budding career.
While Olivari waits for a decision on a spot on the Lakers’ opening night roster, his performance in the preseason and memorable interaction with Curry have undoubtedly set a strong foundation for his professional aspirations. Whether donned in Lakers purple or elsewhere, Quincy Olivari's determination and talent have announced his arrival on the basketball stage. His story exemplifies the pursuit of dreams, the importance of seizing opportunities, and the chance to make an impact, no matter where one’s journey begins.