Florida coach Todd Golden shared that 7'9" freshman Olivier Rioux plans to redshirt for the season, as participating even briefly would affect his college eligibility. This decision came after discussions among Rioux, his family, and the coaching staff on what would best serve his future in basketball. 'I should have made that clear [before],' Golden commented, emphasizing the challenge in managing expectations from fans clamoring to see him play while keeping his long-term goals in mind.
As Rioux practices with his teammates during the redshirt year, he will not lose a year of eligibility, allowing him to develop his skills more thoroughly. Coach Golden pointed out, 'This isn't a choice that I made for him.' Instead, it was a collaborative decision involving Rioux, his family, and staff discussions to analyze the best route for his basketball journey moving forward.
During games, Florida supporters show enthusiasm for Rioux, even chanting for him to play. Golden reflected on this, saying sometimes it’s difficult for fans to understand that playing a star athlete like Rioux for a mere 30 seconds could hinder his future opportunities. 'I'm just not trying to burn your year putting you in for 30 seconds,' Golden explained, indicating the delicate balance coaches must strike with talent management.
Olivier Rioux has handled the pressure of the expectations from fans with impressive poise. Coach Golden expressed confidence in Rioux's mindset, noting, 'He handled the decision well,' which reinforces the notion that part of developing talent includes not just physical capabilities but also emotional and mental maturity.
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