The NBA preseason is a period of anticipation and opportunity, a chance for unheralded players to showcase their talents and potential to the league and its audiences. Among this season's aspirants is Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie hailing from Xavier, who recently made a significant impression during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
Despite the Lakers' lopsided defeat, with a final score of 132-74 favoring the Warriors, Olivari's remarkable individual performance stood out. He finished the game with 22 points and seven rebounds, demonstrating his scoring prowess by making five of his nine attempts from beyond the three-point line. Across four preseason games, Olivari has averaged nearly nine points per game, with an impressive cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from downtown. These statistics solidify his burgeoning reputation as a promising shooter and a potential asset for the Lakers’ roster.
A Defining Moment
For Olivari, the matchup against the Warriors held special significance beyond the box score. Stephen Curry, the Warriors' star who did not play in the contest, holds a legendary place in Olivari's personal and athletic journey. Olivari recounted the surreal experience of meeting Curry, sharing how much he idolized the basketball icon since his youth. "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, highlighting the depth of admiration he's long held for Curry.
This pregame encounter saw Curry express his own appreciation for Olivari's game, a sentiment that left the rookie awestruck. "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, capturing the mutual respect that transcended the night’s proceedings.
A Treasured Keepsake
Beyond words, the encounter between Olivari and Curry was marked by a cherished memento. Curry gifted Olivari with a pair of signed shoes, providing a tangible reminder of their meeting. Reflecting on this, Olivari recalled, "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." The significance of receiving such a gift from his idol is not lost on Olivari, who described the moment as life-defining.
"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 words echoing the sentiment felt by many young athletes who dream of such recognition from their heroes.
The Road Ahead
As the regular NBA season looms, Olivari's future with the Lakers remains uncertain. He is awaiting a decision on a spot on the team’s opening night roster. Whether or not he secures a place with the Lakers, Olivari's journey through the preseason has already been marked by meaningful encounters and a proven record of performance. Echoing the thoughts of many young players striving to make their mark, Olivari noted, "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," capturing the impact of these formative experiences.
While the outcome of his NBA aspirations remains to be seen, Olivari’s story exemplifies the relentless pursuit and passion that define the sport. His encounter with Curry serves as a powerful reminder of how dreams can sometimes collide with reality, even if just for a moment. For Quincy Olivari, the preseason has been more than just a stage for competition; it’s been a testament to his journey, illuminated by the lights of admiration and respect.