World’s Tallest Teenager Postpones Debut as College Basketball Player

The world’s tallest teenager might have to wait a year to become the world’s tallest college basketball player.

Florida coach Todd Golden announced Thursday that Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 freshman who holds a Guinness world record, plans to redshirt this season. If Rioux had played in even one game, he would have used up one of his four years of college eligibility.

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Instead, Rioux will spend the 2024-25 season honing his skills and practicing with his teammates, allowing him to start fresh as a freshman next fall.

“I should have made that clear,” Golden remarked. “Honestly, it’s put him in a tough situation. He’s sitting at the end of games, and everyone’s yelling at him to get in. They just didn’t understand that this was our potential plan for him.”

Golden emphasized that the plan isn’t set in stone and they will continue to discuss it with Rioux. “I’m not saying that’s 100% going to be the plan. We’ll keep talking to him and see if he changes his mind. But right now, that’s our plan.”

Rioux has become a fan favorite, with Florida students chanting “Oli” during both of the team’s home games this season. During Monday night’s 86-62 victory over Grambling State, Golden explained his decision to Rioux as the bench cleared in the final minutes.

“I was just explaining to him, ‘Hey, the reason I’m not putting you in right now is what we’ve discussed.’ This wasn’t a choice I made for him alone. This is something we’ve talked about with him, his family, his parents, and his AAU coach to figure out what’s best for him.”

Golden assured Rioux that the decision was made with his best interests in mind, saying, “I just went up to him and said, ‘Hey, I’m not trying to be disrespectful. I’m not trying to burn your year by putting you in for 30 seconds.’”

According to Golden, Rioux has taken the decision well. “He’s a great kid and very coachable,” Golden said. “He wants to do what’s best for him, and he’s receptive to guidance. If this is what our staff, his parents, and those who care about him think is best, I think he’ll be comfortable. Ultimately, it’s his decision, but I believe that’s where he’ll land.”