Quincy Olivari Shines in Lakers Preseason Despite Team's Struggles
In the landscape of professional basketball, the NBA preseason acts as a proving ground, a stage where rising stars can demonstrate their potential. For Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie from Xavier, this season became an unexpected showcase of talent and a moment of personal triumph, overshadowed only by a lopsided defeat for his team.
Olivari's performance during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco caught the attention of many. Despite the Lakers’ bruising 132-74 loss, Olivari distinguished himself with a standout game. His 22 points and seven rebounds were a beacon of hope for his professional aspirations, potentially turning heads as the Lakers consider their roster for the upcoming season.
Olivari's sharp shooting was on full display against formidable opponents, as he sank 5 out of 9 attempts from the 3-point line. In his preseason campaign, he maintained an impressive 8-for-14 shooting record from beyond the arc, averaging nearly nine points across four games. These numbers speak volumes about his capability to compete at the highest level of basketball.
A Meeting with an Idol
The game held another personal milestone for Olivari. Stephen Curry, a player he had idolized since childhood, was present despite not taking to the court. Their meeting was a dream come true for Olivari, who reflects on the moment with awe and gratitude. "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 shared, encapsulating the depth of his admiration.
This interaction was more than a mere handshake; it was a validation of his basketball journey. "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 recounted, highlighting a surreal moment of mutual respect between the rookie and the seasoned MVP.
The encounter with Curry also brought a tangible memento that Olivari treasures. "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," he explained. Curry's gift of signed shoes symbolized more than fandom; it represented a bridge between a childhood dream and its realization on the NBA stage.
Awaiting a Decision
Against the backdrop of this personal experience, Olivari faces the professional uncertainty that many rookies encounter. With the preseason wrapped, he now waits for the Lakers’ decision on the opening night roster. His remarkable performance offers a compelling case, but decisions in professional sports are never guaranteed.
Olivari's reflections on the entire experience go beyond the statistics and scores. "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 said, underscoring how the preseason transcended mere on-court performance for him.
Whether this preseason stint parlayed into a permanent place on the Lakers’ roster, Olivari’s time on the court and interactions with Curry underline the essence of the NBA: a place where dreams can be realized under the glaring lights of competitive sportsmanship.
As Olivari himself poignantly summarized, "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot." In the world of sports, where every game can be a career-defining moment, Quincy Olivari’s journey serves as a reminder of the passion and dedication required to navigate the challenging path of professional basketball.