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Florida's 7-foot-9 Basketball Center Olivier Rioux Tries Football

WHAT'S THE STORY?

What's Happening?

Olivier Rioux, Florida's 7-foot-9 basketball center, recently participated in a workout with the Gators football team. The coaching staff explored Rioux's potential as a special teams player, given his height advantage for blocking kicks. Despite his impressive reach, Rioux's limited vertical jump hindered his ability to block kicks effectively. Florida basketball coach Todd Golden appreciated the football staff's creativity in trying Rioux in a different sport.

Why It's Important?

Rioux's attempt to play football highlights the versatility and potential of athletes to cross into different sports. While the experiment did not yield the desired results, it demonstrates the innovative approaches coaches are willing to take to maximize an athlete's unique attributes. Rioux's involvement in football, even briefly, underscores the collaborative efforts within collegiate sports programs to explore new possibilities for player development.
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What's Next?

Rioux will continue to focus on basketball, where he has already made significant contributions to the team. His development in basketball remains a priority, with efforts to enhance his physical conditioning and skills. The experience with football may inform future decisions about his athletic career, but for now, Rioux is expected to concentrate on his role in the basketball team.

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