Quincy Olivari Shines Despite Lakers' Preseason Loss
The NBA preseason serves as a pivotal platform for emerging players to carve out a place in the league. For Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie hailing from Xavier, this period was an opportunity to make a memorable impression. The young guard left a significant mark during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, despite the team's tough loss. The Lakers were handed a devastating defeat with a scoreline of 132-74, yet Olivari's performance stood out as a beacon of hope amidst a disappointing game.
A Stellar Performance
Olivari turned heads with his offensive prowess, racking up 22 points against the Warriors. His efforts were complemented by an impressive tally of seven rebounds. Particularly notable was his shooting precision from beyond the arc — converting 5 of his 9 attempts. Over the span of four preseason games, Olivari averaged nearly nine points per game, underpinned by a cumulative 8-for-14 shooting record from the 3-point line. His stats display a competency and maturity that could be invaluable as the Lakers weigh their roster decisions for the upcoming season.
Meeting an Idol
In a moment imbued with personal significance, Olivari met his basketball idol, Stephen Curry. Though Curry did not participate in the game, his presence was indelible for Olivari. Reflecting on this meeting, Olivari expressed his astonishment, stating, "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 not merely a brush with fame but a lifetime dream fulfilled for Olivari, who reminisced about his childhood adulation for Curry.
After the game, Curry approached Olivari, acknowledging the rookie's talent. "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. The mutual respect resonated deeply with Olivari, touching on his journey from a starry-eyed child to standing toe-to-toe with his basketball hero.
A Special Connection
This interaction culminated in a thoughtful gesture by Curry, who gifted Olivari a pair of signed shoes. The impact of this exchange was boundless for the young athlete. "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 recounted with all the fervor of a dedicated fan turned professional player.
Meeting Curry and receiving such a personal token was profoundly meaningful. "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 articulated, highlighting the personal significance of this milestone. "My dad knows, my mom knows — like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot."
Awaiting a Decision
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his official inclusion on the Lakers’ opening night roster, Olivari’s performance in the preseason has certainly made a case for his potential. The coming weeks will determine whether Olivari’s brilliance on the court will translate into a position on one of the NBA's most storied franchises. Regardless of the outcome, his preseason journey offers a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and the intimate joys of meeting a revered icon.
Quincy Olivari's passage through the preseason encapsulates the essence of the NBA's allure, where dreams intertwine with reality and legends inspire the next generation of stars, showcasing a compelling chapter in his budding career.