A Preseason Finale to Remember for Quincy Olivari
The world of professional basketball is as unforgiving as it is legendary. For undrafted rookies like Quincy Olivari, the NBA preseason represents a critical opportunity—a stage where promise and potential can turn into reality. Olivari, a promising talent from Xavier, seized this invaluable chance during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. Despite the Lakers falling in a lopsided 132-74 defeat to the Warriors, Olivari's performance was far from forgettable.
An Impressive Performance
On a night otherwise dominated by the Warriors, Olivari emerged as a silver lining for the Lakers. The rookie scored an impressive 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, showcasing a sharp shooting touch with a remarkable 5-for-9 performance from beyond the three-point line. Through the four preseason games, Olivari averaged nearly nine points, with a cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from three-point territory—a testament to his potential in long-range shooting.
Olivari's ability to deliver when it mattered most was not unnoticed, and his efforts in San Francisco may play a key role in his goal of securing a spot on the Lakers' opening night roster. His performance was punctuated by a memorable encounter with NBA superstar Stephen Curry—a moment that forever imprinted on Olivari's budding career.
A Starstruck Encounter
The game was notable not only for Olivari’s standout performance but also for his interaction with a player he has idolized since his formative years. Although Curry did not play in the game, his impact on Olivari was profound. Reflecting on the encounter, Olivari shared, "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."
Meeting Curry was more than a fan experience for Olivari. It was a moment of personal and professional validation. "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. This mutual respect reached its pinnacle when Curry handed Olivari a pair of signed shoes—a gesture that held great significance for the young player.
Dreams Manifested
For Olivari, Curry is much more than a player; he is an 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 said, reliving moments from his childhood where Curry’s influence permeated his dreams and aspirations.
The fact that Curry acknowledged him and took the time to converse, even presenting a signed memento, made this more than just an ordinary preseason game for Olivari. "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 added. This exchange was not just about footwear, but an emblem of a dream acknowledged and respected.
What Lies Ahead
As Quincy Olivari looks ahead, the uncertainties of his professional basketball career hang in the balance. While securing a spot on the Lakers’ opening night roster remains uncertain, his preseason performance and starstruck encounter have undoubtedly set a hopeful tone for his future. "My dad knows, my mom knows—like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," he expressed, encapsulating the deep emotional resonance of the experience.
As the NBA season approaches, players like Olivari will be waiting anxiously to see if the work put in during the preseason will yield a chance to shine on basketball's most esteemed stage. Win or lose against teams like the Warriors, these preseason moments are where unheralded players like Olivari begin their journey from aspiration to potential realization, step-by-step, shot-by-shot, from dream-chaser to game-changer.