World's Tallest Teen, Olivier Rioux, to Redshirt at Florida

The 7-foot-9 freshman will delay his college basketball debut to preserve eligibility and develop skills.

Olivier Rioux, recognized by Guinness as the world's tallest teenager, is a 7-foot-9 freshman at the University of Florida.
Florida's head coach, Todd Golden, announced that Rioux plans to redshirt for the 2024-25 season.
The decision allows Rioux to practice with the team without using a year of eligibility, keeping him a freshman next season.
Coach Golden emphasized that the choice was made collaboratively with Rioux, his family, and advisors to ensure the best path for his development.
Despite fan enthusiasm to see him play, Rioux has accepted the plan, focusing on honing his skills for future seasons.