Why Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux isn't playing in March Madness despite being super tall
It's a tough spot for Rioux to be in.
Why Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux isn't playing in March Madness despite being super tall originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Olivier Rioux is impossible to miss.
The Florida Gators ' redshirt freshman center is 7-foot-9. In other words, super tall, taller than pretty much any human any of us have ever seen either up close or on our television. But because of that conspicuousness, it's also very clear to fans when Rioux isn't actually playing for Florida, which turns out to be most of the time.
Rioux didn't play a second on last season's national championship team, preserving his redshirt. This year, entering the NCAA Tournament, he has appeared in 10 games. Rioux has played a total of 14 minutes, made 2-of-3 field goals and 1-of-2 free throws, totaled five points and grabbed four rebounds while turning it over once and committing two fouls.
Not the most exciting role ever for the 7-foot-9 guy. And really, it's hard to know if that will change. MORE: Syracuse, Gerry McNamara, a near upset and a head coaching gig Why isn't 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux playing in March Madness?