GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Olivier Rioux, who at 7-foot-9 holds the title of the tallest teenager globally, may need to postpone his aspirations of becoming the tallest college basketball player for another year. On Thursday, Florida’s head coach Todd Golden announced that Rioux will redshirt during the upcoming season. This decision means that if he does not participate in a game this year, he will not utilize one of his four years of NCAA eligibility. 

Instead, Rioux will dedicate the 2024-25 season to practicing with the team, allowing him to refine his basketball skills while maintaining his freshman status for the following fall. Coach Golden acknowledged that he should have communicated this plan earlier, admitting it has caused some confusion among fans who have been eager to see Rioux on the court. “It’s put him in a tough situation,” Golden stated, referring to the chants from students urging the coach to let Rioux play.

During a recent game against Grambling State, Golden took the opportunity to engage with Rioux while the team was leading. He explained the reasoning behind his decision not to play Rioux, emphasizing that the choice was made with input from various stakeholders, including Rioux’s family and AAU coach, to determine the best path for the young athlete. “This isn’t a choice that I made for him,” Golden remarked. “It’s been a collaborative decision.”

Golden mentioned that his interaction with Rioux aimed to reassure him that the approach taken is intended to preserve his playing years and potential future. “I just wanted to clarify that I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful. I don’t want to burn your year putting you in for 30 seconds,” he added. Rioux has reportedly taken the news in stride and has been agreeable to the situation, displaying his willingness to cooperate.

“I think he’s going to be comfortable with this plan because it’s a collective decision made by people who care about him,” Golden said about Rioux’s outlook. The coach reiterated that while he believes this plan is in Rioux’s best interest, ultimately, the decision rests with Rioux himself, who has shown a commendable attitude throughout this process. “He’s a great kid, and he’s very coachable,” Golden concluded.