In the world of basketball, the NBA preseason serves as a proving ground. Aspiring players showcase their potential in front of coaches, fans, and seasoned pros. For Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie from Xavier, the preseason has been a stage to make his mark. His standout performance during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco has turned heads, even if the Lakers ended up on the losing side of a 132-74 blowout.
Olivari left an indelible mark on the game by scoring 22 points and securing seven rebounds. His shooting prowess was evident, as he went 5 for 9 from beyond the three-point line. Across four preseason games, Olivari has been consistent, averaging nearly nine points and shooting an impressive cumulative 8-for-14 from the arc. His offensive explosion against the Warriors, albeit in a lopsided defeat, has positioned him as a player to watch as the Lakers finalize their roster ahead of the regular season.
While the game unfolded, spectators witnessed Olivari's impressive play against a Warriors team devoid of its superstar, Stephen Curry, who sat out the contest. However, Curry's absence on the court didn't prevent a memorable interaction between Olivari and his basketball idol.
A Meeting with a Hero
For Olivari, meeting Curry elevated the preseason experience from memorable to unforgettable. Sharing the reverence many young players hold for the 3-point king, Olivari reflected on this unique encounter with admiration:
"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."
The opportunity to talk with Curry was special and came with a compliment that Olivari will cherish forever: "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."
The younger guard's longstanding admiration for Curry goes beyond the surface, extending back to his childhood, as he recounted nostalgic memories:
"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 culmination of their meeting was marked by a heartfelt gesture from Curry, who presented Olivari with a signed pair of his shoes, a moment that struck an emotional chord with the rookie:
"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. My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot."
On the Brink of a Breakthrough
Now, Quincy Olivari stands on the cusp of a dream, awaiting a verdict on whether his preseason showings will earn him a spot on the Lakers' opening night roster. For young talents like Olivari, the preseason isn't merely a time for personal stats but an essential chapter in their quest to achieve their lifelong aspirations. His performance has signaled to the league and the Lakers management that he belongs at the top level.
As the preseason concludes and anticipation builds toward the regular season, Olivari’s future hangs in the balance. Whether he will translate his preseason promise into a fully-fledged NBA career remains to be seen. Regardless of the outcome, his story, highlighted by an unforgettable encounter with an idol, will undoubtedly inspire countless young athletes pursuing their sporting dreams.