Why 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux Isn’t Playing Yet for the Florida Gators
Fans tuning in to watch the defending NCAA champion Florida Gators might have noticed something unusual during their recent season opener — the tallest player in college basketball, Olivier Rioux, was sitting on the bench in his warmups. At 7 feet 9 inches tall, Rioux towers over everyone in the arena, but surprisingly, he hasn’t seen game action yet this season. So naturally, people are asking — why isn’t the giant Gator playing?
Well, the answer comes down to readiness. Despite his incredible size, Rioux is still developing the strength, speed, and overall skill required to compete at the high level of college basketball. The Gators’ coaching staff made the strategic decision to redshirt him last season, meaning he practiced with the team but didn’t play in official games. The goal was to give him time to grow — both physically and in terms of basketball fundamentals — before stepping onto the court in meaningful minutes.
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Even though he’s not playing yet, Rioux has been a visible and enthusiastic part of the team. Last season, he celebrated Florida’s national championship alongside his teammates and even helped cut down the net — something he could do flat-footed while everyone else needed a ladder. His presence alone has become a kind of fan favorite moment, and his Guinness World Record height continues to attract viral attention online.
Now, this season, there was some expectation that Rioux might start seeing limited action — maybe during less critical stretches of games or even in “garbage time.” ESPN suggested he could be used in special situations, like guarding inbound passes, where his height gives him a unique advantage. In fact, he’s already proven effective in that role before, during the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland, when he forced an errant pass that led to a turnover and a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
But for now, coach Todd Golden seems content to bring him along slowly. The defending champions have a deep and experienced frontcourt, meaning there’s no pressure to rush Rioux onto the floor before he’s ready. What’s most important is that he continues to train, adapt to the pace of college ball, and build confidence for when his time comes.
At just 18 years old, Olivier Rioux is still a work in progress — but what an exciting one. Standing nearly eight feet tall, he’s already made history just by being on the roster. The real intrigue will come when he finally steps onto the court and shows how his remarkable height can translate into real impact for the Gators. For now, Florida fans will just have to wait a little longer to see the gentle giant in action.
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