The Unforeseen Rise of Quincy Olivari in the NBA Preseason
The NBA preseason is often a stage where hopefuls etch their names into the minds of coaches and fans alike. For Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie hailing from Xavier, this preseason was an opportunity to prove his mettle. During the Los Angeles Lakers' final preseason match against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Olivari made a remarkable impression, despite the team's substantial defeat.
Indeed, the Lakers faced a daunting 132-74 loss to the Warriors, yet for Olivari, the game was a personal victory. The rookie scored an impressive 22 points and added seven rebounds to his stat line. Notably, his shooting from the three-point line was stellar, as Olivari made 5 out of his 9 attempts. Across the four preseason games, he averaged nearly nine points per game and maintained a cumulative 8-for-14 shooting record from beyond the arc. These figures underscore his potential as a promising sharpshooter in the league.
A Chance Encounter with a Childhood Idol
Despite the absence of Stephen Curry from the game, Olivari had a life-changing encounter with the NBA superstar. A meeting that turned a dream into reality for the rookie. "It's crazy because I've liked him since I was like in sixth grade," Olivari shared, excitement clear in his words. "I don't even know what to say, man. Like, that's my favorite player ever."
Olivari's admiration for Curry was reciprocated in a surprising gesture. "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 recalled with a sense of disbelief. Such words of encouragement from a personal hero carry weight beyond the hardwood.
The interaction was more than just words; it was marked by a thoughtful gift. Curry presented Olivari with a signed pair of his shoes, a keepsake that the young player will undoubtedly cherish. "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 reminisced, capturing the essence of a dream realized.
Awaiting the Roster Verdict
With the preseason now over, Olivari must await news concerning his place on the Lakers’ opening night roster. His performance has certainly provided compelling arguments in his favor. Beyond the statistics, his demeanor and story resonate with basketball enthusiasts and provide a refreshing narrative of passion and dedication.
Reflecting on his encounter with Curry, Olivari noted, "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." Such moments have left an indelible mark on him, offering motivation and happiness--both rare and cherished in the tumultuous journey of professional sports.
The anticipation around Olivari’s status with the Lakers will build until the roster is finalized. Regardless of the outcome, one thing remains clear: Quincy Olivari has seized his moment in the spotlight, leaving spectators eager for more. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," Olivari concluded.
In a world where talent often goes unnoticed, Olivari has emerged as a testament to what passion, opportunity, and a bit of admiration from one's idol can bring. As he continues to chase his NBA dreams, his story serves as inspiration not only to undrafted players but to anyone daring to challenge the odds.