For Quincy Olivari, the path to the NBA has been one of undrafted challenges and preseason auditions, the ultimate proving ground for athletes chasing their dream. The former Xavier standout has shown flashes of potential, particularly during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, leaving an impression despite the team’s lopsided 132-74 loss.
In that outing, Olivari put together an impressive stat line with 22 points and seven rebounds, underlining his scoring ability by hitting 5 of 9 from 3-point range. This performance was a culmination of a fledgling preseason where he averaged nearly nine points per game and maintained a cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from beyond the arc.
However, the significance of this game extended beyond the box score for Olivari. Despite Stephen Curry's absence on the court, the young player had a pivotal personal moment with his basketball idol. "It's crazy because I've liked him since I was in like sixth grade," Olivari shared. "I don't even know what to say, man. Like, that's my favorite player ever." This admiration turned into a surreal experience as Olivari not only met Curry but also received a pair of signed shoes from the superstar himself.
The exchange with Curry seemed to resonate deeply with 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 recalled. The encounter was much more than a fleeting interaction. "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 weight of their meeting in the locker room, paired with the symbolic gift of signed shoes, carried profound personal significance.
Olivari's admiration for Curry has long been deeply embedded within his basketball journey. "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 expressed, the sentiment clear in his voice. Such moments are the fabric of a young athlete's career, stitched with admiration, stars-in-the-eyes encounters, and a drive born from emulation.
While Olivari has made waves during the preseason, he is keenly awaiting a decision that will determine his professional trajectory—a spot on the Lakers’ opening night roster. If selected, it would be a testament to his grit and potential, underscored by his performances in preseason showings.
For now, Quincy Olivari stands at a crossroad typical of those seeking to break into professional basketball. His journey thus far exemplifies the dreams of countless young athletes, driven by their idols and the hope of one day sharing the court with them. Yet, for Olivari, his connection with Stephen Curry adds a layer of personal fulfillment that goes beyond the standard motivations of the game. As he waits in anticipation, the acknowledgment from a player he has idolized for most of his life fuels his motivation and solidifies his resolve to make an impact in the league.
Olivari encapsulated the gravity of this preseason, saying, "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot." As he reflects on his experiences and aspirations, the young guard's story is one that tells of perseverance, inspiration, and the boundless possibilities that await in the world of professional basketball.