The NBA preseason is often a pivotal moment for aspiring players to showcase their skills and earn a spot in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. For Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie hailing from Xavier, this period has proven to be a stage where dreams come closer to reality. During the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Olivari's performance was a bright spot in an otherwise tough outing for the Lakers, who succumbed to a 132-74 defeat.
Olivari's performance was notable not only for its personal significance but also for the statistical impact he delivered on the court. Throughout the evening, he managed to score 22 points and secure seven rebounds, demonstrating his potential as a valuable asset to the team. Impressively, he shot 5 for 9 from the 3-point range. This display of shooting skill was part of a broader preseason performance where Olivari averaged nearly nine points across four games and maintained a cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from beyond the arc.
Despite the defeat, Olivari's efforts did not go unnoticed. Among the game's sidelights was the absence of the Warriors’ star, Stephen Curry. However, Curry's influence was still felt in the arena that night, particularly in a personal interaction that highlighted the human side of competitive sports. Olivari, a lifelong admirer of Curry, had an unforgettable meeting with his idol during the game. Reflecting on the moment, 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."
The encounter between Olivari and Curry transcended the typical fan-meets-athlete scenario. Curry, aware of the young player's capability, expressed his own admiration for Olivari’s game, telling him, "I'm a big fan of your game." For Olivari, whose journey in basketball has been deeply inspired by Curry, this was a surreal 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 enthusiastically recounted.
The meeting was made all the more memorable when Curry gifted Olivari a pair of signed shoes, further cementing a moment that the young player described as pivotal in his budding career. Olivari reflected on the gift and the impact of the interaction: "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." For Olivari, who had spent countless youthful nights dreaming under the shadows of Curry’s signed jersey, this interaction brought a lifelong dream within reach. "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," he added.
Olivari is now on the cusp of another critical moment—waiting to find out if he will secure a spot on the Lakers' opening night roster. In this time of uncertainty, the support and recognition from his idol offer a unique form of motivation. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," Olivari said, conveying the significance of this chapter in both his personal and professional journey.
In a preseason filled with challenges and opportunities, Quincy Olivari's narrative stands out as a testament to the power of perseverance and the profound impact of personal heroes in sports. As he awaits the decision that could shape the next phase of his career, his performance, backed by heartfelt interactions and mutual respect with icons like Curry, indicates a promising path ahead.