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

Florida has the tallest player in college basketball.

But right now, Olivier Rioux is spending the season opener on the sideline.

Fans are noticing and wondering why he isn’t playing. At some point, he might. 

But for now, he’s keeping his sweatshirt on.

Why isn’t Olivier Rioux playing?

Olivier Rioux isn’t playing because he still isn’t ready for the speed, skill and physicality of high-end college basketball.

The Gators redshirted Rioux in his first season on campus to give him time to get stronger and develop. He was there to watch the national championship and cut down a piece of the net, but he didn’t get on the floor.

This is how ESPN summed up the outlook 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.”

How tall is Olivier Rioux?

Olivier Rioux is listed at 7-foot-9.

ESPN wrote this of him: “Rioux’s unusual height landed him in the Guinness World Records a few years ago, and he has become a walking viral video at Florida. While coaches and teammates climbed a ladder to cut pieces of the nets after the Gators won the SEC tournament, Rioux was able to do it while standing flat-footed.”

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