NBA Preseason Sparks Aspiring Talent: Quincy Olivari Shines
The NBA preseason often serves as a proving ground for aspiring players looking to make their mark in the competitive world of professional basketball. For Quincy Olivari, an undrafted rookie hailing from Xavier, the recent preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors provided a platform to showcase his potential and determination.
In a game played in the vibrant city of San Francisco, the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Warriors. Despite the absence of basketball's perennial superstar Stephen Curry, the Warriors delivered a dominant performance, routing the Lakers with a staggering score of 132-74. Amidst the defeat, Olivari emerged as a beacon of hope and promise for the Lakers' future ambitions.
Olivari Stands Out
Olivari's contribution that night was nothing short of remarkable. Scoring 22 points and securing seven rebounds, he stood out as one of the most promising talents on the court. Displaying precision and confidence, he shot an impressive 5-for-9 from the 3-point range, capturing the spotlight among both fans and critics alike.
Throughout the preseason, Olivari managed to average nearly nine points across four games, with a cumulative shooting record of 8-for-14 from beyond the arc. His performance offered a glimpse of his potential impact, leaving fans and the Lakers' administrative staff eager for more.
A Memorable Encounter
While his performance was commendable, Olivari's encounter with Stephen Curry after the game added a personal and emotional touch to his journey. Despite Curry's absence from the match, the meeting between the two players was significant for Olivari, who has adored Curry since he was just in sixth grade.
"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, unable to contain his admiration for the NBA legend. The acknowledgment from Curry was a dream come true for the rookie. "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 revealed, emphasizing the mutual respect between the two athletes.
Curry further solidified the memory by gifting Olivari a pair of signed shoes, a gesture that held intense emotional significance for Olivari. "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," he reminisced, illustrating the deep personal connection he's felt toward Curry over the years.
Meeting Curry and receiving his respect was a profound moment for Olivari. "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 explained, his words a testament to the impact that this moment had on his fledgling career.
The Road Ahead
As the dust settles from the preseason, Quincy Olivari now awaits one of the most crucial decisions of his career – whether he will secure a spot on the Lakers’ opening night roster. Amidst the tension and hopes for the future, Olivari remains grounded and grateful. "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot," he expressed, acknowledging the support from his family and the significance of the opportunity.
For Olivari, the preseason was more than just a series of games; it was a triumphant personal journey filled with both awe-inspiring experiences and the determination to fulfill his aspirations in the NBA. As he waits to hear about his future with the Lakers, his performance and memorable encounter with Curry will undoubtedly motivate him to continue pushing boundaries in his professional career.