NBA Preseason: A Stage for Aspiring Talent
The NBA preseason often serves as a proving ground for newcomers eager to cement their place in the world’s most prestigious basketball league. Among these hopefuls is Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie hailing from Xavier, who recently showcased his burgeoning talents in the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
A Breakout Performance
The game ended with a significant loss for the Lakers, a 132-74 defeat to the Warriors. Despite the lop-sided scoreline, the spotlight shone brightly on Olivari, who seized the opportunity to make a name for himself. The young guard registered an impressive 22 points and seven rebounds, a performance underlined by hitting 5 of his 9 attempts from three-point range.
Throughout the preseason, Olivari's consistent shooting from beyond the arc was noteworthy. He averaged nearly nine points over four games and maintained an 8-for-14 record in three-point shooting—a testament to his shooting prowess and potential as a valuable asset on the perimeter.
A Memorable Encounter with a Childhood Hero
In an almost storybook twist during the same game, Olivari met his basketball idol, Stephen Curry. The Warriors' star sat out the game, but his presence still offered an invaluable moment for Olivari. The meeting transcended the usual fandom exchanges, as Curry expressed admiration for Olivari's game. "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 recalled, clearly touched by the encounter.
For Olivari, this was more than just meeting a famous player. It was personal and deeply significant. "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," he shared. The admiration was mutual enough that Curry gifted Olivari a pair of signed shoes, creating a memory that Olivari will likely cherish throughout his career. "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 stated.
Olivari's reverence for Curry stretches back to his childhood, as he candidly admitted, "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." For Olivari, the moment was not just an achievement but a full-circle realization of a childhood dream buoyed by the moral support of his family. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot."
Awaiting a Decision
As Olivari waits to hear whether he will secure a spot on the Lakers' opening night roster, his performance against the Warriors and poignant meeting with Curry will likely provide sustenance during this anxious period. While the journey to secure a long-term place in the NBA is fraught with challenges, showing flashes of brilliance on the court and earning the respect of seasoned players like Curry are promising steps for Olivari.
For the fans and team decision-makers watching him closely, these moments are not merely heartwarming stories but tangible indicators of Olivari's potential. As NBA teams evaluate and finalize their rosters, performances such as Olivari's during preseason games offer them much to ponder, given the potential impact a fresh and motivated rookie can bring to the team dynamics.
In sum, Quincy Olivari's preseason has been more than a footnote. It’s a noteworthy chapter in the life of a young player ardently chasing his dreams, combining raw talent with the inspiration drawn from his idols. How his future unfolds in the NBA remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Olivari has already left a mark. His journey, now entwined with the memories of meeting a childhood hero, has only just begun.