Why Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux Isn't Playing for the Defending Champion Gators
Florida boasts the tallest player in college basketball, Olivier Rioux, standing at 7-foot-9. However, he spent the season opener on the bench, sparking curiosity among fans about his absence from the court. For now, Rioux remains on the sidelines.
Development and Readiness
Olivier Rioux is not playing yet because he is still adjusting to the speed, skill, and physical demands of top-level college basketball. The Gators redshirted him during his first season to give him time to build strength and develop his game.
Although Rioux participated in the team’s March Madness celebration by cutting down a piece of the net, he did not play in any games last season.
Season Outlook and Role
ESPN described Rioux’s prospects before the season:
"After redshirting as a true freshman last season, he's expected to get on the court in limited capacity this fall. He's unlikely to play much considering the defending national champions return their entire frontcourt, but he should at least get on the court in garbage time. (Todd) Golden already has considered using him to guard inbound passes, something Rioux did to perfection just before halftime against the United States in the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland earlier this month. Rioux forced an errant pass that led to a turnover and a 3-pointer just before halftime."
Unique Height and Recognition
Rioux's extraordinary height earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records a few years ago. At Florida, he has become a viral sensation, attracting attention as a towering presence on the team.
Despite not playing significant minutes now, his potential and unique physical attributes make him a player to watch as he continues to develop.
Author's summary: Olivier Rioux, Florida's towering 7-foot-9 player, is currently redshirting to grow stronger before joining limited gameplay for the defending champion Gators.