For most college students, graduation is a time of excitement mixed with uncertainty. As they walk across the stage and toss their caps into the air, many are left wondering how they’ll put their degree to use and what career path lies ahead. While some students spend months—or even years preparing to land a job right out of school, securing one before graduation remains uncommon. Rarer still is the sight of a graduate wearing not just a cap and gown, but the uniform of the job they have landed at graduation. Unless, of course, you’re professional basketball player Quincy Olivari.

Who is Quincy Olivari

The Atlanta native showed promise on the court early, leading Westlake High School to two state finals while averaging 15 points a game over his high school career. Olivari graduated third in his high school class and, due to his high grades,  had the opportunity to attend any college in the country.

Although he put up solid numbers on a good team, only two Division I programs offered him a basketball scholarship: Rice University and Cornell.

He would ultimately choose Rice and would go on to lead the conference in scoring by his senior year. With one more year of eligibility, he transferred to Xavier, where he led the Big East in three-point percentage and scored 19 points per game. Despite a strong college career, he went undrafted in the 2024 draft, ultimately signing with the Lakers.

Living the Dream

In summer ball, Olivari impressed, turning a 10-day contract into a two-way contract with the team. In an exibition game last October against the Warriors, Olivari went off, scoring 22 points and grabbing seven rebounds. After the game, he had the opportunity to meet with his childhood hero, Stephen Curry. Years before, the two had met when Olivari, a young fan, snagged an autograph. Now, they were talking on the court as peers.
In this incredible post-game interview, Olivari talks about what that moment meant to him:

The relationship with Curry didn’t end there. Months later, he would go on to sign as a brand ambassador for Curry’s shoe brand.

Takeaways

In just a few months after going undrafted, Quincy Olivari signed with the Lakers, dropped 22 points in front of his favorite player, Stephen Curry, became an Under Armour shoe ambassador, and averaged 17.5 points per game in the G League.

With all his success on the court, it’s surprising that Olivari worked to add one more line to his résumé: an advanced degree from Xavier. He stayed committed to both paths, earning his master’s degree in late 2024 and officially walking the stage at graduation on May 17, 2025 — proudly wearing his Lakers jersey.

Olivari’s journey to the NBA is a powerful reminder that athletes can chase greatness on the court while building a future beyond it.


Congratulations, Quincy!

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