An Unforgettable Night for Quincy Olivari
Undrafted rookie Quincy Olivari from Xavier entered the NBA's broad stage this preseason with the Los Angeles Lakers, rallying to capture attention despite the odds against him. The preseason, generally a proving ground for emerging talent, enabled Olivari to showcase his potential in what could well be the defining moment of his young career. During the Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors, Olivari turned heads with an impressive performance, even as the team fell 132-74 in San Francisco.
Known for his precision beyond the arc, Olivari delivered a standout performance, netting 22 points and grabbing seven rebounds. He demonstrated his shooting prowess with a 5-for-9 record from three-point range, contributing significantly to his near nine-point average across four preseason games. Cumulatively, Olivari’s shooting from beyond the arc reached a notable 8-for-14, clearly establishing his potential as a reliable long-range threat.
Meeting a Childhood Idol
Amid the challenge of competing for a spot on the Lakers' opening night roster, Olivari experienced a moment of personal triumph when he met his long-held idol, Stephen Curry. The two crossed paths during the game, and although Curry did not take to the court, his presence was felt profoundly by the rookie. Olivari, who has looked up to Curry since his sixth-grade days, was understandably overwhelmed by the encounter.
"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 shared, his words filled with the unfiltered excitement of a dream realized. The revelation came that Curry, a player who Olivari had idolized, was also a fan of his burgeoning game, adding another layer to the surreal interaction. "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, the significance of the moment evident in his demeanor.
A Token of Respect
But the night had even more to offer Olivari. Curry, in an act that resonated deeply with the young player, gifted him a signed pair of shoes. This simple gesture held tremendous meaning for Olivari, who reminisced about his own childhood memorabilia. "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," he said. Meeting Curry, coupled with receiving a pair of his signature shoes, was something Olivari regarded beyond measure. "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’s reflections illuminated the personal impact of the encounter, underscoring the sheer wonder of connecting with an idol who had seemingly taken a reciprocal interest in his journey. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," he admitted, acknowledging the support system that has bolstered his rise.
The Next Steps
As Olivari awaits the decision on whether he will secure a spot on the Lakers' roster, his performance against the Warriors and the personal high of meeting Curry mark a pivotal moment in his early career. While the outcome of the roster decision remains pending, Olivari's experiences in San Francisco have undoubtedly added layers of confidence and inspiration that will propel his basketball journey forward, regardless of the immediate result.
In a league where talent and opportunity must converge to consecrate careers, Quincy Olivari’s story reflects both the challenges and the possibilities inherent in the NBA. His powerful show of ability and the validation of an encounter with a childhood hero have laid the groundwork for what could become a remarkable professional chapter. Whether donning the Lakers' colors or pursuing his ambitions elsewhere, Olivari’s preseason performance and memorable encounter with Curry will undeniably remain foundational in his quest to solidify his place in professional basketball.