Lakers' Preseason Finale Reveals Olivari's Potential and Dreams Fulfilled
The NBA preseason is a platform for aspiring players to showcase their skills and make a mark. This year, undrafted rookie Quincy Olivari from Xavier seized this opportunity to make his presence felt during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
Despite the Lakers' heavy loss, with a final score of 132-74, Olivari emerged as a standout performer, offering glimpses of his potential. The 22-year-old racked up an impressive 22 points and secured seven rebounds, capturing the attention of both fans and fellow players with his shooting capabilities. Olivari shot an admirable 5-for-9 from the 3-point range, underscoring his promise as a reliable perimeter shooter.
Throughout the preseason, Olivari averaged nearly nine points across four games, with a commendable cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from beyond the arc. His performance has sparked conversations about his potential inclusion on the Lakers’ opening night roster, a decision that remains pending. For Olivari, the preseason was not just about proving his skills on the court but also about realizing a personal dream.
Meeting an idol can often be a defining moment in an athlete's career, and for Olivari, that moment came when he met Stephen Curry during the game. The Warriors’ superstar, who sat out the match, made a significant impression off the court. Curry's acknowledgment of Olivari's talents made the encounter even more special.
"It's crazy because I've liked him since I was in like sixth grade," Olivari expressed, still in awe of the experience. "I don't even know what to say, man. Like, that's my favorite player ever."
The interaction between the rookie and the seasoned NBA superstar was not merely a passing exchange. Curry's admiration for Olivari's game added another layer of fulfillment to the young player’s experience. "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," recalled Olivari with a mixture of disbelief and joy.
Olivari's connection to Curry extends beyond a mere meeting. As a youngster, he idolized Curry to the extent of owning a jersey signed twice by his hero, one that he famously used to sleep under. The symbolism of that jersey, and Olivari's dedication, came full circle when Curry handed him a pair of signed shoes.
"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 shared. The emotion in his voice was evident as he reflected on the significance of having earned Curry's respect and receiving a personalized memento.
For Olivari, the gesture was not solely about acquiring a piece of memorabilia but about the realization of a long-held dream and acknowledgment of his potential in the sport he loves. "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," Olivari added, highlighting the personal and professional validation the interaction provided.
As Olivari awaits the final decision regarding his place on the Lakers’ roster, the memory of his encounter with Curry remains a cherished milestone. He knows the news of this meeting and its significance will resonate deeply with his family. "My dad knows, my mom knows — like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," he concluded, his words filled with the weight of the journey he has undertaken thus far.
For Quincy Olivari, the preseason may have been about demonstrating his skills, but the chance to meet and receive encouragement from Stephen Curry is a testament to his potential and the realization of a childhood dream. As the rookie stands on the cusp of his NBA career, his performance and his memorable encounter with a basketball idol are set to inspire him moving forward.