GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The world’s tallest teenager is making an attempt his hand — his attain, actually — at soccer.
Florida basketball participant Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 heart who performed for the Beneath-19 Canadian nationwide crew this summer season, not too long ago labored out for the Gators’ soccer crew.
Rioux donned an orange helmet and took snaps on particular groups, with Florida assistant coaches hoping his large wingspan is likely to be a distinction maker relating to blocking subject objectives and further factors.
“I like the concept,” Gators basketball coach Todd Golden mentioned throughout a booster occasion Thursday night. “I give them credit score for making an attempt it.”
There was one subject: The 305-pound Rioux has an 11-inch vertical, so even along with his extra-long attain, he was unable to dam any kicks throughout the exercise.
“They have been slightly upset,” Golden mentioned.
No worries. Rioux can merely persist with his full-time gig with the hoops crew.
After redshirting as a real freshman final season, he is anticipated to get on the courtroom in restricted capability this fall. He is unlikely to play a lot contemplating the defending nationwide champions return their total frontcourt, however he ought to not less than get on the courtroom in rubbish time.
Golden already has thought of utilizing him to protect inbound passes, one thing Rioux did to perfection simply earlier than halftime towards the USA within the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland earlier this month. Rioux pressured an errant go that led to a turnover and a 3-pointer simply earlier than halftime.
Rioux’s uncommon top landed him in the Guinness World Records a couple of years in the past and he has turn out to be a strolling viral video at Florida. Whereas coaches and teammates climbed a ladder to chop items of the nets after the Gators gained the Southeastern Convention Event, Rioux was able to do it while standing flat-footed.
