Why Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux isn't playing for defending champion Gators

Why Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux Isn't Playing for Defending Champion Gators

Florida boasts the tallest player in college basketball, Olivier Rioux, who stands at 7-foot-9. Despite his remarkable height, Rioux is spending the season opener on the bench, leaving fans curious about his absence on the court.

Reasons for Not Playing

Olivier Rioux is not playing because he is still adjusting to the speed, skill, and physical demands of high-level college basketball. The Gators redshirted him during his freshman year to allow him time to build strength and develop his game.

Season Outlook

Rioux watched from the sidelines as the Gators won the national championship, even participating in the net-cutting ceremony, but he did not play in games. ESPN summarized his expected role 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 Attributes

Rioux's extraordinary height has earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records a few years ago and made him a viral sensation at Florida basketball.

Summary

Although Olivier Rioux's towering presence is undeniable, he remains on the sidelines as he develops the skills needed to compete at the college level, with limited playing time expected this season.

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Sporting News — 2025-11-04