In the cutthroat world of NBA preseason basketball, every game represents an opportunity for aspiring players to make their mark. Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie hailing from Xavier, seized such a moment in the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. Despite the Lakers' heavy 132-74 defeat, Olivari delivered a standout performance that could very well be his stepping stone to securing a coveted spot on the opening night roster.
The odds were challenging, yet Olivari's tenacity on the court was undeniable. The rookie tallied an impressive 22 points and secured seven rebounds, finding his rhythm particularly beyond the arc. Shooting 5-for-9 from three-point range, Olivari showcased a shooting ability that not only stood out in this high-profile game but also throughout the Lakers' preseason matches. Across four games, he averaged nearly nine points and held a cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from deep—a testament to his consistency and potential.
However, the game wasn't just remarkable for Olivari because of his stat line. It also marked a memorable personal milestone as he had a unique encounter with his longtime idol, Stephen Curry. Although Curry did not play in the game, the two met during the preseason match, culminating in Curry gifting Olivari a pair of signed shoes. “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 expressed with palpable excitement.
The young guard recounted the surreal experience with a sense of disbelief and admiration. "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," he shared. For someone who had grown up not just watching but idolizing Curry, the encounter carried a deep emotional significance. Olivari reminisced about his younger days, saying, "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."
Meeting Curry wasn't merely a fan moment; it was a symbolic nod to Olivari's basketball journey and dedication. "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 reflected. For someone who had idolized Curry from a distance, receiving recognition from his hero was a fulfilling acknowledgment of his hard work and perseverance.
For Olivari, the days following this encounter remain pivotal as he awaits the Lakers' decision regarding his position on the season's roster. The anticipation is palpable, and the stakes are high, not just for him but for any aspiring player in his shoes. The blend of his consistent performance and the personal milestone marked by the meeting with Curry has rendered this preseason a memorable chapter in Olivari's burgeoning career.
As the world of sports watches with keen interest, Olivari's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams, dedication, and unforeseen rewards embedded within the realm of professional basketball. "My dad knows, my mom knows—like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," Olivari concluded, capturing the essence of what this opportunity means not just for him, but for every young athlete who dreams big.