The world’s tallest teenager, 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux, is set to redshirt at the University of Florida, delaying his chance to become the tallest college basketball player.
Florida’s head coach Todd Golden confirmed on Thursday that Rioux, who has made headlines for his remarkable height and secured a place in the Guinness World Records, will not participate in games this season. By choosing to redshirt, Rioux will maintain his freshman status for the 2024-25 season, allowing him to refine his skills and integrate with his teammates.
“I should have clarified this earlier,” Golden remarked. “It’s challenging for him. He sits at the end of the bench while fans are urging for him to play, not realizing this was part of our strategy for his development.”
Golden emphasized that while this is the current plan, it is not set in stone. “We will continue discussions with him to see if he wishes to adjust his path,” he added, highlighting the collaborative effort between Rioux, his family, and the coaching staff.
The excitement around Rioux is palpable, as Florida students have been chanting his nickname, “Oli,” during home games. In a recent match against Grambling State, Golden took the opportunity to address Rioux amidst the cheers, explaining his decision not to play him.
“I approached him to clarify why he wasn’t on the court. This wasn’t a decision solely made by me; it involved discussions with his family and coaches to determine the best course for him,” Golden stated.
Golden reassured Rioux, saying, “I’m not trying to disrespect you. I just want to protect your eligibility rather than put you in for a brief moment.”
According to Golden, Rioux has taken this decision in stride. “He is a fantastic young man who aims to please. He values the input from those who care about him and is very coachable. If this is what his support system believes is best, I trust he will find comfort in it. Ultimately, the decision rests with him, but I believe it aligns with his goals,” Golden concluded.
