In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, the NBA preseason serves as a proving ground for players on the brink of major league success. This year, Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie emerging from Xavier, has seized the spotlight with an impressive display of skill and ambition. While his journey is just beginning, moments like the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors are laying the foundation for Olivari’s future in professional basketball.
A Showcase in San Francisco
During the recent preseason matchup in San Francisco, the Lakers faced off against the Warriors in what would prove to be a challenging game. The final scorecard was stark, with the Lakers falling 132-74. However, amid the defeat, Quincy Olivari's performance was a shining light. The rookie poured in an impressive 22 points, demonstrating both his scoring prowess and his potential value to the team. Adding to his noteworthy performance, Olivari secured seven rebounds and showcased his marksmanship by hitting 5 of 9 shots from the 3-point line.
Throughout the preseason, Olivari consistently displayed his shooting capabilities. Across four games, he averaged nearly nine points per game, and his cumulative 8-for-14 shooting from beyond the arc highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. Olivari’s efforts in these games—particularly against a team like the Warriors—mark him as a promising talent to watch as the regular season unfolds.
A Memorable Encounter
Adding a personal highlight to an already impactful game, Olivari had a unique encounter with Stephen Curry, the iconic Warriors guard who sat out of the game. Meeting a personal hero is always significant, and for Olivari, this introduction was a dream come true. He reminisced, "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."
More than just meeting his idol, Olivari experienced an extraordinary moment when Curry acknowledged his 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 shared. This mutual respect culminated in a special exchange: Curry gifted Olivari a pair of signed shoes, a memento that symbolizes both recognition and inspiration.
For Olivari, this gesture was more than just a highlight of the game; it was a culmination of years of admiration and aspiration. "I had his jersey—he signed it twice. I used to sleep under that jersey," Olivari recalled. "And like, I just wanted to be like him so badly." Such moments, both personal and professional, can serve as profound motivation for a player like Olivari, still carving out his path in the league.
Awaiting the Lakers' Decision
As the preseason concludes, Olivari now finds himself in a waiting game, hopeful for a spot on the Lakers’ opening night roster. The decision will weigh not only his performance but also the potential he represents for the team's future. Olivari’s meeting with Curry and his preseason performance undoubtedly left an indelible mark on both his career and his psyche. "Just to be able to meet him, him being able to have some respect for me, and then us to talk in the back—it meant the world to me, man," Olivari expressed. "My dad knows, my mom knows... like, it just means a lot."
The road to the NBA is fraught with challenges and opportunities. For Quincy Olivari, the preseason has been a proving ground, and the experiences he has gathered along the way have been invaluable. Whether he secures a spot on the Lakers' roster or continues to pursue his dreams elsewhere, his trajectory is one to watch closely.