On a night that many aspiring NBA players would dream of, Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie from Xavier, made his mark at the preseason finale for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. Despite a lopsided 132-74 loss to the Warriors, Olivari's standout performance could have significant implications for his burgeoning career.
A Remarkable Performance
Olivari showcased his potential by posting 22 points and securing seven rebounds for the Lakers. His performance was particularly notable from beyond the arc, where he shot an impressive 5 for 9 against a formidable Warriors line-up. Across four preseason games, Olivari averaged nearly nine points, demonstrating his proficiency with a cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from the three-point range.
This kind of precision shooting is exactly what teams look for in budding talent, especially from undrafted players looking to earn their place on an NBA roster. Nevertheless, the young athlete's journey is just beginning, as he still awaits a decision regarding a spot on the Lakers’ opening night lineup.
A Meeting of Idols
In addition to making waves on the court, Olivari experienced a personal highlight when he crossed paths with his basketball idol, Stephen Curry. Although Curry did not play during the match against the Lakers, he took the time to meet Olivari, who described the encounter with palpable excitement and admiration.
"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 said, reflecting on the meeting. "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." For Olivari, the exchange was surreal, having grown up idolizing the NBA star.
Expressing the depth of his admiration, Olivari reminisced, "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." This moment culminated in a treasured keepsake when Curry presented Olivari with 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 shared, his gratitude and excitement evident.
The Path Ahead
For Olivari, the respect and encouragement from a player of Curry's caliber is monumental. Sharing this milestone with his family has made it all the more significant. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," he commented, emphasizing how personal this journey is for him.
As the Lakers evaluate their roster for the upcoming season, Olivari’s performance in the preseason is a testament to his hard work and potential. While his future with the team is still uncertain, Olivari has certainly made a compelling case for his inclusion.
In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, moments like these—both on and off the court—highlight the triumphs and trials of aspiring athletes. Quincy Olivari's tale is one of dreams meeting reality, filled with unforgettable experiences and the promise of future possibilities. Whether Olivari makes the cut for the Lakers' main roster or not, his star is surely on the rise, driven by talent, hard work, and the dreams of a young player looking to carve out his place in the NBA.