Give Billy Napier some factors for creativity.
Florida's soccer coach introduced in Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 redshirt freshman basketball participant for the Gators, to work out with the hope that he might assist block subject targets and additional factors.
“I like the thought,” Gators basketball coach Todd Golden stated at a booster occasion Thursday, per the Associated Press.”I give them credit score for making an attempt it.”
Sadly, the tryout didn't go as hoped.
Rioux has simply an 11-inch vertical, so regardless of his large wingspan, he couldn't rise up excessive sufficient to dam any kicks.
“They have been slightly disenchanted,” Golden stated.
Rioux is anticipated to be within the rotation this 12 months for the Gators, although his minutes could possibly be restricted provided that Florida returns its whole national-title successful frontcourt.
He may be used to protect inbounds passes, the place his top and wingspan is prone to create a serious downside.
There's a latest historical past of school athletes enjoying each soccer and basketball.
Keon Coleman, presently a receiver for the Payments, dedicated to Michigan State to play each soccer and basketball — and did play a handful of basketball video games for the college earlier than transferring to Florida State for his junior 12 months.
The Payments in the end chosen him within the second spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft.
That, nevertheless, was in a a lot totally different, less-specialized function than Florida was aiming for with Rioux.
Rioux, a Canada native, didn't seem in any video games for the Gators final season, with Florida's web site stating he took a redshirt season to work on his “power, conditioning and agility.”
He made headlines after the nationwide title overcome Houston by slicing down the nets with out a ladder.
