Why Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux Isn't Playing for the Defending Champion Gators
Florida has the tallest player in college basketball, Olivier Rioux, standing at 7-foot-9. Despite his impressive height, he is currently sitting out the season opener, leaving fans curious about his absence on the court.
Reason for Not Playing
Olivier Rioux is not playing because he is not yet ready for the speed, skill, and physicality of top-level college basketball. The Gators redshirted him during his first year to allow time for him to build strength and develop his game.
Role During Championship Season
Rioux was part of the national championship team and had the honor of cutting down a piece of the net. However, he did not participate in any games during that season.
Season Outlook
“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.” – ESPN
Noteworthy Facts
- Olivier Rioux's height earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records a few years ago.
- He has become a viral sensation at Florida due to his unusual height and presence on the court.
Despite his current limited playing time, Rioux’s unique stature and developing skills make him a player to watch in the future.
Author’s summary: Olivier Rioux's exceptional height and ongoing development explain why he’s not yet playing for Florida’s championship team, though he remains a notable figure in college basketball.