An Unlikely Performance in the Spotlight: Quincy Olivari's Preseason Showdown Against the Warriors
The NBA preseason is often seen as a proving ground—a time when aspiring talents have a chance to showcase their skills in the hopes of securing a spot on an NBA roster. For some, this opportunity is more than just a trial; it's a dream manifested through hard work, passion, and a little serendipity. Enter Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie hailing from Xavier, who seized his moment during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
Despite the Lakers' crushing loss of 132-74 to the Warriors, Olivari's performance shone brightly. The young guard poured in 22 points and pulled down seven rebounds in a game that served as his personal stage. Olivari proved his shooting prowess, going 5 for 9 from beyond the arc that night. "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 said, reflecting on his own journey from a childhood fan to an NBA hopeful with extraordinary shooting capabilities.
Across the Lakers’ four preseason games, Olivari steadily averaged nearly nine points per game, compiling a remarkable shooting efficiency from the 3-point line with an 8-for-14 record. His commendable performance during the preseason finale only added to his growing portfolio, demonstrating the promise and potential he encapsulates.
One notable aspect of the game was the absence of Warriors' star player Stephen Curry. Although Curry did not play, his presence loomed large, especially for Olivari. "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 enthused. For a player who idolized Curry from a young age, meeting the basketball icon left an indelible mark. The encounter between Olivari and Curry was more than a meeting; it was a cherished moment between a mentor and an admirer.
The rookie recounted his lifelong admiration for Curry: "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." The signed jersey, draped as a token of inspiration over his dreams, became a reality when Curry gifted Olivari a pair of signed shoes. "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 shared, his gratitude palpable through every word.
As Quincy Olivari awaits the decision on whether he will secure a spot on the Lakers’ opening night roster, his preseason exploits might just tip the scales in his favor. His performance and heartfelt acknowledgment for Curry underscore a narrative that extends beyond mere statistics—it tells the story of a young player navigating the currents of his NBA aspirations with humility and tenacity.
"My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," Olivari confessed, encapsulating the emotional heft of his journey. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Quincy Olivari, with the support of family, mentors, and his genuine admiration for the game, is determined to etch his name into the annals of basketball, one three-pointer at a time.