Quincy Olivari: A Rising Star in the NBA Preseason Spotlight
The NBA preseason has long been a proving ground for aspiring players eager to make their mark in the league. For youthful hopefuls grappling for a coveted spot on an NBA roster, these games represent both a challenge and an opportunity. Among the standout stories from this year’s preseason is that of Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie hailing from Xavier, who seized the spotlight during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
Despite the Lakers suffering a staggering 132-74 defeat to the Warriors, Olivari's performance on the court was one of the bright spots on an otherwise tough night for his team. In a display of determination and skill, he scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset in the competitive world of professional basketball. Most notably, Olivari demonstrated exceptional accuracy from beyond the three-point line, shooting 5-for-9 in the game against the Warriors.
This wasn't a singular fluke but rather a continuation of his consistent performance throughout the Lakers' preseason. Across four games, Olivari managed to average nearly nine points with a cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from three-point range. These statistics offer a compelling case for his inclusion in the Lakers’ roster for the upcoming season, as the team deliberates final decisions on its lineup.
One of the most unforgettable moments for Olivari, however, came not on the court but in a memorable encounter with an NBA legend. Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ star player, did not participate in the game against the Lakers, but his presence still resounded deeply for Olivari. The rookie not only met his longtime idol but received a pair of signed shoes from Curry—a gesture that struck a profound chord with the young player.
Reflecting on the experience, Olivari's admiration for Curry was passionately evident. "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 with palpable enthusiasm. His reverence for Curry is rooted in years of admiration, as he candidly revealed, "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 mutual respect between the two athletes added a personal dimension to the encounter. As Olivari recounted, "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." For Olivari, this acknowledgment from a player of Curry’s stature was beyond a dream come true. "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 a meeting between rookie and superstar underscores the profound impact icons like Curry have on aspiring athletes. It’s a connection that transcends mere fandom and enters a space of shared passion for the game. For Olivari, the significance of this moment was not lost on his family either. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," he shared, capturing the depth of emotion tied to this personal milestone.
As the Lakers ponder their final roster moves, Olivari awaits word on whether his name will feature in the opening night lineup. Regardless of the outcome, his remarkable preseason performances and his extraordinary encounter with Curry have already cemented his status as a player to watch. Quincy Olivari’s journey is a testament to the opportunities the NBA preseason can provide—a stage where dreams intermingle with reality, and where aspiring talents showcase they are ready for the next level. The world now watches as Olivari inches closer to his NBA dream, armed with skill, determination, and inspiration from a legend.