Quincy Olivari: A Stellar Performance Amid a Crushing Defeat
In the world of basketball, few opportunities are more precious than the NBA preseason. It's a chance for rookies and undrafted players to make their mark and solidify their place in the league. For Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie from Xavier, the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco was a stage on which to shine. Despite the Lakers suffering a severe defeat with a score of 132-74, Olivari emerged as a beacon of promise, delivering a standout performance.
A Bright Moment in a Tough Game
Olivari, attempting to secure a spot on the Lakers’ opening night roster, showcased his prowess decisively during this game. He registered an impressive 22 points and seven rebounds, demonstrating potential that must not be overlooked. It was especially his shooting prowess that caught attention—draining five out of nine attempts from the 3-point line against the Warriors. Through the preseason, Olivari maintained a notable shooting record of 8-for-14 from beyond the arc and averaged nearly nine points across four games. Such performance metrics suggest that his contributions cannot be easily dismissed as the roster cuts loom.
An Encounter with a Hero
While his performance was remarkable, Quincy Olivari's memorable night didn’t end there. During the game, he met Stephen Curry — a seminal moment for the young player. Curry, absent from the court that night, nonetheless made a significant impact on Olivari with a gesture every aspiring basketball player would cherish.
"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, illustrating the deep admiration he has held for Curry over the years.
The encounter was further enhanced by Curry's graciousness as he acknowledged Olivari's potential. "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 shared, his excitement palpable as he recounted the exchange.
A Momentous Gift
The meeting culminated in a gesture that Olivari will surely remember forever — Curry gifted him 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 reflected, his voice filled with the awe of fulfilling a childhood dream.
The significance of this encounter goes beyond the game itself. For Olivari, who once slept under a Curry jersey he idolized, having such an intimate moment with his basketball hero carries profound personal significance. "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 admitted.
A Dream in the Balance
While the Lakers must now deliberate over Olivari's future with the team, what remains clear is that his presence in the preseason has been marked by both professional potential and personal milestone. For Olivari, the journey to this point has been significant, not just for the stats on the sheet, but for the personal dream each game represents.
"My dad knows, my mom knows — like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," Olivari conveyed, potentially speaking both of his connection with Curry and the weight of his bid to find a home on an NBA roster.
As the opening night roster decision looms, Quincy Olivari will await his fate with the hope and anticipation of a rookie who has already lived one dream — meeting his hero — and now waits to see if he can fulfill another: becoming a part of the storied Los Angeles Lakers.