Quincy Olivari experienced an unforgettable moment when he met his idol, Stephen Curry, after a preseason game. Olivari, who had been a massive fan of Curry since his sixth-grade days, found himself on the same court as the player who had inspired him throughout his basketball journey. Following a standout performance where Olivari scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, going 8-16 (50%) from the field and 5-of-9 from three-point range, he shared a heartfelt and emotional reflection about meeting the Golden State Warriors superstar.
“It’s crazy. I liked him since I was in sixth grade. I don’t even know what to say, man, ’cause that’s my favorite player ever. And first thing he told was ‘I am a big fan of your game, and truth to be told, I am a big of him.”
“I had his jersey, he signed it twice. I used to sleep under that jersey, and I want to be like him so bad. So just be able to meet him and be able to have some respect for me, and then for us to talk in the back, he gave me a pair of his shoes and signed them.”
“That meant the world to me. Like my dad knows my mom knows like it just means a lot.”
Quincy Olivari got emotional talking about meeting his idol, Stephen Curry. pic.twitter.com/fnMjI3Mfl1
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 19, 2024
In the postgame press conference, Olivari’s emotions were clear. When asked about his interaction with Curry, Olivari struggled to keep his composure as he expressed how much the moment meant to him.
Meeting Curry wasn’t just a brief handshake or passing exchange; the two shared a meaningful interaction. Curry, ever the humble and gracious figure, told Olivari that he was a fan of his game. For a rookie player, that kind of acknowledgment from one of the NBA’s greatest players is nothing short of monumental.
The meeting was a full-circle moment for Olivari, who had idolized Curry for years. As a young fan, Olivari had collected Curry memorabilia, including a jersey the Warriors star signed twice.
Quincy Olivari showed Steph Curry this video after the game and then walked out of the arena with a pair of Steph’s autographed shoes.
Olivari: “I used to sleep under that jersey” pic.twitter.com/zaKCU9TvSq
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 19, 2024
Now, as an NBA player himself, he found himself face-to-face with the man who had been his inspiration. To top off the experience, Curry gave Olivari a pair of his signed sneakers, an incredibly meaningful gift for the young guard.
Olivari’s standout performance in the game further amplified the significance of the moment. While the Lakers rested their starters, Olivari shined on the court, proving that he belonged at this level. His 22-point performance, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, came in front of Curry, who watched from the sidelines. Olivari’s performance didn’t go unnoticed, either by his team or by Curry, and it seems that the young guard has already made a positive impression.
The journey to the NBA hasn’t been easy for Olivari. He went undrafted after playing at Xavier University and was signed to an Exhibit 10 contract by the Lakers during the offseason. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future in the league, Olivari has shown tremendous potential during the preseason.
His standout performances, such as his 22-point outburst against the Warriors and a notable 11-point showing in just nine minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks, have put him on the radar as a potential long-term asset for the Lakers. Even if he doesn’t make the final 15-man roster, Olivari is likely to land a spot with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, where he can continue to develop his game.
Curry, known for his humility and kindness, reciprocated Olivari’s admiration with a heartfelt message. The interaction between the two was a touching reminder of the power of basketball to inspire and connect players across generations.
For Olivari, meeting his hero and earning his respect was a dream come true. His emotional response was a testament to the deep impact Curry has had on him, both as a player and as a person.
As Olivari continues his journey in the NBA, the memory of meeting Curry and receiving his support will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. Whether he’s playing in the NBA or the G League, Olivari’s moment with Curry is a reminder that dreams do come true, and hard work and passion can lead to incredible experiences.
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