The Florida Gators recently organized a workout for seven-foot, nine-inch basketball star Olivier Rioux in the hope that his giant wingspan could help them block more field goals and extra points.
Rioux is the world’s tallest teenager and he currently plays for Florida’s basketball team and the Under-19 Canada national team.
But the center was recently put through his paces with the Gators special teams. He put on an orange helmet and took snaps on the practice field.
Florida assistant coaches were hoping the seven-foot, nine-inch teen might be a difference maker for field goals and extra-point attempts.
Unfortunately the 305-pound Rioux has an 11-inch vertical, so even with his extra-long reach, he was unable to block any kicks during the workout.
‘I like the idea,’ Gators basketball coach Todd Golden said. ‘I give them credit for trying it… they were a little disappointed.’
Florida recently organized a workout for seven-foot, nine-inch basketball star Olivier Rioux
The Gators football team hoped Rioux could help them block more field goals and extra points
After the failed experiment, Rioux will return to his day job. After redshirting as a true freshman last season, the teen is expected to get on the court in limited capacity this fall.
He is unlikely to play much considering the defending national champions return their entire frontcourt, but he should at least get on the court in garbage time.
Golden already has considered using him to guard inbound passes, something Rioux did to perfection just before halftime against the United States in the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland earlier this month. Rioux forced an errant pass that led to a turnover and a 3-pointer just before halftime.
Rioux’s unusual height landed him in the Guinness World Records a few years ago and he has become a walking viral video at Florida.
While coaches and teammates climbed a ladder to cut pieces of the nets after the Gators won the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Rioux was able to do it while standing flat-footed.