In the unpredictable realm of NBA preseason, where dreams are either forged or fractured, undrafted rookie Quincy Olivari has made an indelible impression. As the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Olivari demonstrated the ambition and skill that define a player on the brink of making it to the big stage.
Despite the Lakers’ staggering 132-74 loss to the Warriors, Olivari's individual performance was a beacon of hope. The Xavier product notched an impressive 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, shooting a notable 5 for 9 from beyond the three-point arc. Over the span of four preseason games, he averaged nearly nine points per game, maintaining a shooting average of 8-for-14 from three-point range. Such statistics project a promising trajectory for any aspiring player hoping to carve out a spot in the NBA.
The Golden Opportunity
Although the Warriors’ star, Stephen Curry, sat out the Lakers game, his presence was felt in another profoundly personal way for Olivari. A long-time admirer of Curry, Olivari expressed his awe and respect after meeting his basketball idol. "It's crazy because I've liked him since I was in like sixth grade,” a visibly emotional Olivari shared. “I don't even know what to say, man. Like, that's my favorite player ever.”
The encounter was more than a fleeting moment for Olivari. It marked a symbolic merging of dreams and reality, further manifested when Curry offered a surprising compliment, declaring himself a fan of Olivari’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, his words humbly belying the talent he had just displayed on the court.
A Humbling Experience
For Olivari, the connection to Curry extended beyond the hardwood. During their post-game interactions, Curry gifted Olivari a prized souvenir—a pair of signed sneakers. "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, the sentiment echoing the universal narratives of young athletes idolizing professional stars.
This gift carried a weight that transcended its tangible form, rooting itself in Olivari's childhood admiration. “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 confessed, capturing the essence of countless young fans who look up to their basketball idols.
Awaiting the Next Chapter
As the preseason dust settles, Olivari stands on the precipice of a significant career milestone: the decision on whether he will secure a place on the Lakers’ opening night roster. This decision weighs heavily, not only as a professional passage but as a lifelong dream teetering on the edge of becoming reality.
Reflecting on the deeper significance of his encounter with Curry, Olivari noted its personal resonance. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," he expressed, touching on the broader, familial impact of his aspirations and successes.
With such a formidable preseason showing, Quincy Olivari not only positioned himself as a determined competitor worthy of attention but also provided a stirring chapter in the ongoing narrative of aspiration and reverence that defines the fabric of professional sports. As the regular season looms, the basketball world watches in anticipation to see if this emerging talent will have the opportunity to transition from a promising novice to a permanent fixture on the Lakers' roster.