Aspiring Rookie Makes His Mark in Lakers' Preseason Finale
As the NBA preseason serves its purpose as a proving ground for hopeful athletes, Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie from Xavier, has seized the opportunity to showcase his potential. During the Los Angeles Lakers' final preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Olivari delivered a memorable performance despite the team's considerable loss.
Surrounded by expectations and the glare of NBA prospecting eyes, Olivari managed to make a lasting impression. The Lakers, unfortunately, succumbed to an overwhelming defeat, finishing the game with a 132-74 loss against the Warriors. Yet, in the face of this outcome, Olivari's standout performance shone brightly – recording 22 points and securing seven rebounds. His shooting precision, particularly from the 3-point line, was a highlight as he landed five of his nine attempts successfully.
Throughout the preseason, Olivari maintained an average of nearly nine points over four games. His cumulative shooting record from beyond the arc was an impressive 8-for-14, highlighting his potential as a valuable long-range asset.
A Meeting with an Idol
Off-court, Olivari's experience reached a peak that transcends numbers on a stat sheet. The rookie had the opportunity to meet his idol, Stephen Curry, albeit Curry did not play during the game against the Lakers. This meeting was more than just a typical acquaintance for Olivari; it was a personal milestone.
In an emotive revelation, 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 was made even more special with Curry's remark, which left Olivari both astonished and honored. "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."
Such interactions are dreams turned into reality for any aspiring player, but for Olivari, this was a moment steeped in layers of personal history and admiration. He fondly reminisced, "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."
A Cherished Keepsake
The meeting culminated with a heartfelt gesture from Curry—a pair of signed shoes, a memento that carries significant emotional weight for Olivari. In reflection, he expressed, "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." It’s a moment that he shares with pride and a sense of validation.
Olivari's attachment to this experience is not solely his own; the significance ripples through his closest circles. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," he candidly admitted, highlighting the profound impact this encounter has had on him and those around him.
The Next Chapter
With the preseason now behind him, Quincy Olivari stands at the cusp of a potential career breakthrough, waiting to know if he’s earned a spot on the Lakers’ opening night roster. His journey and dedication echoed in his performance, paired with a meeting with an iconic player, underscore the magic of basketball and the storied paths within the league.
For Olivari, the road ahead is brimming with possibilities and challenges, but one thing is clear: he has already left an indelible mark. Whether or not he wears a Lakers jersey on opening night, Quincy Olivari has proven his worth both on the court and in the eyes of his idol. That, in itself, is a victory worth celebrating.