Olivier Rioux, reputedly the world’s tallest teenager at 7 feet 9 inches, is set to redshirt for the Florida Gators basketball team, as confirmed by head coach Todd Golden. Being redshirted means Rioux won't participate officially during the 2024-25 season, which allows him to practice and develop his skills without burning one of his four years of college eligibility.
This decision places the spotlight on Rioux, not just for his height—which has earned him recognition from the Guinness World Records—but also for the potential he holds for the future of college basketball. Originally from Canada, he has become a significant draw for fans eager to see what happens when size meets skill on the court.
Fans of the Gators have been vocal about their interest, chanting for Rioux during home games. The atmosphere was electric during the team’s recent 86-62 victory over Grambling State, where coach Golden felt the urge to explain his decision on the sidelines to Rioux. “I was just explaining to him, ‘Hey, the reason why I’m not putting you in right now is what we’ve talked about,’” Golden said. His rationale was simple; they didn't want to jeopardize Rioux’s long-term college career by playing him for even a few seconds this year.
The decision to redshirt is often not easy for young athletes, especially for someone like Rioux, who has had immense pressure placed on him due to his unique stature. Rioux, characterized as “a great kid” by Golden, is known for his desire to please—making it easier for the coaching staff to guide him through this pivotal moment. Golden emphasized the need for careful communication with Rioux and his family, stating, “This wasn’t a choice I made for him. This is something our program has discussed with him and his family.”
This season, as he trains with the Gators, Rioux will have the chance to focus on getting accustomed to the level of play required for college basketball, developing his skills without the immediate stress of game performances. From learning the nuances of team play to improving his physical conditioning, these preparations are pivotal for someone transitioning from high school basketball to the collegiate level.
Height can be both a blessing and a challenge in basketball. While the advantages of towering over opponents are evident, taller players often face critiques about their mobility and agility. Coach Golden mentioned this transitional challenge, saying, “It’s put him in a tough situation... the fans don’t understand what is at stake for him.” He acknowledged the fact Rioux’s size makes him stand out but also brings expectations and scrutiny.
Rioux’s arrival to the Gators has come at a time when college basketball is increasingly competitive, and the visibility of such players can pressure them to perform from the very beginning. According to Golden, he has been working diligently to convey the importance of valuing long-term growth over short-term achievements. “He’s going to be comfortable with this decision,” he quipped with optimism, noting Rioux’s proactive approach and maturity through this decision-making process.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Rioux's redshirt season, the Florida Gators also have pressing aspirations for their squad this season. Their roster features other promising talent, and Golden’s coaching strategies are aimed to maximize each player's ability through rigorous training and practical gameplay experiences.
This decision reflects the philosophy of colleges like Florida, which seeks to develop players holistically rather than pushing them directly onto the court under pressure. The redshirt year could potentially pave the way for the Gators to utilize Rioux significantly when he returns, allowing the team to benefit from another year of training and maturation.
Olivier Rioux seems poised to become not just another player on the roster but rather the centerpiece of Florida basketball—a massive personality both figuratively and literally. With his towering height and determined spirit, the Gators might see Rioux evolve from the sidelines to the forefront of their aspirations.
The anticipation for his future performances is palpable, with many fans already envisioning the impact he’ll have. Although the next year will be spent honing skills off the court, the expectations around him remain enormous. For now, Rioux is set to garner attention on the practice mats and watch from the bench, as he stands tall, preparing to take the court when the time is right.
For Rioux, this seemingly calm period is anything but mundane; it offers the chance to adapt, learn, and refine his capabilities—setting up for what could be one of the most intriguing arrivals to college basketball when he finally steps onto the court.
