As the NBA preseason draws to a close, many aspiring players are eager to showcase their potential and secure a coveted spot on a regular-season roster. This period of opportunity and high stakes was no different for Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie from Xavier, particularly during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
Olivari's Standout Performance
Although the Lakers suffered a substantial loss to the Warriors with a final scoreline of 132-74, Olivari's performance was a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable game for the Lakers. The rookie guard scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, displaying a promising knack for offense. He was particularly impressive from beyond the arc, shooting 5-for-9 from the 3-point range.
Throughout the preseason, Olivari averaged nearly nine points per game over four appearances. His consistent marksmanship was underscored by a cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from three-point distance, affirming his potential as a valuable perimeter shooter.
A Personal Highlight: Meeting Stephen Curry
The game also brought a personal highlight for Olivari, who had the chance to meet Stephen Curry, despite the Warriors' star sitting out the game. For Olivari, a moment with Curry was much more than a casual encounter—it was a lifelong dream realized. "It's crazy because I've liked him since I was in like sixth grade," Olivari shared, his voice tinged with awe. "I don't even know what to say, man. Like, that's my favorite player ever."
In a gesture that illustrates the mutual respect amongst players, Curry not only met with Olivari but also expressed his admiration, saying, "I'm a big fan of your game." Olivari, taken aback by these words from his idol, reciprocated the sentiment: "Truth be told, I'm a big fan of him."
A Gift to Remember
Adding to the emotional resonance of the day, Curry gifted Olivari a pair of his signed shoes. For Olivari, the gift was emblematic of his journey and dreams as a young athlete. "I had his jersey—he signed it twice," Olivari recounted. "I used to sleep under that jersey. And like, I just wanted to be like him so badly."
The experience held profound significance for Olivari beyond the tangible gift of the 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," he reflected. Such recognition from Curry, a player he has long idolized, was an emotional milestone not only for Olivari but also for his family, as he conveyed, "My dad knows, my mom knows—like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot."
The Awaiting Decision
As Quincy Olivari awaits a decision regarding his place on the Lakers' opening night roster, the preseason has offered a glimpse into his on-court abilities and underscored the importance of mentorship and dreams in the world of sports. His performance against seasoned NBA professionals and his interaction with Curry remind us that the preseason is not just about wins and losses. It is a platform where new stories emerge, dreams are chiseled into reality, and young talents have their moment to shine, as did Olivari amidst the haze of preseason competition.
While the immediate future for Olivari with the Lakers hangs in the balance, his journey and standout moments in the preseason will surely influence his path in the professional basketball landscape. For a player who's shown potential to score on the court and make personal strides off it, the coming days are filled with promise.