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Fans Question Florida’s Late-Game Benching of 7-Foot-9 Freshman Olivier Rioux

The backlash spotlights Florida’s choice to keep the 7-foot-9 freshman in a limited role during his development.

Overview

  • Florida, which lost 73-72 to Iowa on Sunday, ended its season with Rioux on the bench for the final seconds.
  • Fans on social media pressed coach Todd Golden about not using Rioux for an easy lob or late rim protection.
  • Coverage reports that Rioux has played only brief minutes as he works on mobility, speed, ball handling and touch needed for the college pace.
  • In an Associated Press interview, Rioux said his height brings constant questions and little privacy when he is out in public.
  • He is the tallest player in college basketball at 7-foot-9, with any transfer-portal or pro move discussed only as speculation.