A Memorable NBA Preseason Moment for Quincy Olivari
In the NBA, the preseason is not just a warm-up for seasoned veterans but a critical platform for aspirants looking to carve their niche. Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie from Xavier, seized this opportunity in the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. Despite the Lakers' heavy defeat with a score of 132-74, Olivari delivered a standout performance that has sparked curiosity and conversations among fans and analysts alike.
Olivari demonstrated his potential against the Warriors by scoring 22 points and securing seven rebounds. His shooting from the 3-point range was particularly impressive, hitting 5 out of 9 attempts. Over the span of four preseason games, Olivari averaged nearly nine points and maintained an impressive cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from beyond the arc. Such performances are critical for any rookie, but for an undrafted player like Olivari, they could mean the difference between being overlooked and earning a coveted spot on an NBA roster.
Adding to the narrative is the absence of Stephen Curry, who did not take the court against the Lakers. But for Olivari, the game held more significance than just points and statistics. Meeting Stephen Curry carried a personal touch far beyond the professional sphere. For Olivari, Curry is not just another NBA superstar; he is a lifelong inspiration and childhood hero.
"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 shared, encapsulating a moment where childhood dreams met reality. Such sentiments reveal the depth of admiration that athletes often harbor for those they've idolized, only to find themselves sharing the same professional space.
Curry, renowned for his sportsmanship and rapport with fans and fellow players, did not disappoint off the court. "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. This mutual exchange of respect between a seasoned champion and a budding athlete underscores the profound impact of professional sports as a community that unites its members beyond the competitive realm.
The interaction left Olivari with more than memories. "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 reminisced. Upon meeting, Curry's gesture extended beyond conversation; he gifted Olivari a pair of signed shoes, a token that holds immense personal value. "Just to be able to meet him... 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 expressed, highlighting the emotional resonance of such a simple yet profound act.
For Olivari, these preseason games carry the weight of his ambitions. With his performance turning heads, he awaits a decision on whether he will secure a spot on the Lakers' opening night roster. His journey from being an undrafted hopeful to playing alongside and gaining the respect of an idol like Curry reflects the unpredictable yet exhilarating path of an NBA journey.
"My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," Olivari conveyed, capturing the acknowledgment and pride that such milestones bestow upon a player and his family. As Olivari stands on the cusp of his professional future, his preseason achievements already mark him as an incredible story of aspiration, inspiration, and the ever-resilient pursuit of dreams in the realm of professional basketball.