As the NBA preseason offers a platform for aspiring talents to showcase their abilities, Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie from Xavier, made his mark in the Los Angeles Lakers' finale against the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers fell significantly short, with a final score of 132-74 in San Francisco, but Olivari’s individual performance shone brightly amid the challenging circumstances.
Despite the team's defeat, Olivari emerged as a beacon of potential. Displaying tenacity and skill, he scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds. His shooting prowess was evident as he connected on 5 of 9 attempts from the three-point range, significantly impacting his overall tally. Across the preseason, Olivari maintained an impressive contribution, averaging nearly nine points per game and achieving a cumulative 8-for-14 shooting record from beyond the arc.
A Chance Encounter
While Olivari left an impression on the court, it was a post-game encounter that became a personal highlight for the rising player. Stephen Curry, who did not participate in the game, made a memorable gesture by meeting Olivari. This interaction resonated deeply with the young athlete, who expressed his long-standing admiration for the Warriors' superstar. Olivari recounted, "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."
For Olivari, not only meeting Curry but also receiving recognition from him was a surreal moment. Curry's words of encouragement, "I'm a big fan of your game," were particularly meaningful for Olivari, who has long aspired to emulate his hero. In Olivari's words, "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."
A Personal Milestone
The encounter was not just a simple exchange for Olivari; it was a culmination of years of admiration and inspiration. "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 shared, underlining the deep emotional connection he has developed over the years with Curry’s career and persona. The gift of Curry's signed shoes further solidified this moment as a personal milestone, with Olivari stating, "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."
For someone who has grown up idolizing Curry, such an encounter is more than just a career highlight; it is a dream realized. The weight of the moment was not lost on Olivari, who expressed, "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot."
Future Prospects
As Olivari reflects on an unforgettable preseason, the next steps are critical. He patiently awaits a decision regarding his position on the Lakers' opening night roster. Regardless of the outcome, Olivari’s performance and his personal breakthrough during this preseason will likely resonate throughout his career.
Olivari’s story reminds us of the sheer unpredictability and excitement that the NBA preseason holds for undrafted players and established stars alike. While some players may not have seen action on the court, as was the case with Stephen Curry, the impact they have on emerging talents like Quincy Olivari can be profound and lasting.