Empty spot for 25/26?

Maybe a foreign player that wants some exposure.

 

I read an article that said the last scholly is for a "walk-on/manager" type.

 

He just has to do the things they want him to do to make a difference on the court. And then I am sure he will be next...or he will transfer out after the end of the season.

Then for the 2026/27 season, the hype will be in a fairyland setting and with the slogan "Ollie White and the Dwarfs!" Book it!

 

Holding for Ben Henshall

 

And since I don't have much of anything to do, I am close to 6' 2" in height and so someone who is 7' 2" would be a foot taller than me. I haven't sauntered up to anyone that height ever.

If some basketball dude who is 6' 9" (I have been beside one of those at least once) sauntered up to Ollie, he would be one foot shorter than him. DAMN!!!

 

Before Fland committed, CTG said we were trying to fill one more slot. The assumption then is that it's now filled. So if you have a "preferred walk-on" (Ollie) and an unused scholarship, give it to him. They're only year-to-year anyway. He puts in just as much time as everyone else, and generates a LOT of attention for the Gators.
Another issue these days is NIL budget. If we don't need 13 guys, might as well save the $$ for the next season.

 

Golden has always filled his slots. Maybe there is some uncertainty about the final shape of the settlement this summer.

 

How true is this! To be the team that has the tallest teenager in the whole nation!! Everyone in the college basketball world will be watching when Ollie steps on the court! Fans and especially high school and college recruits!

 

I'm not advocating not using the scholarship. I'm advocating giving it to Big Ollie Rioux, 7'-9" of beast.

 

Pretty sure spot is for a "developmental player."
Likely Ollie is taken care of with NIL already and likes his spot.

 

I know that’s been the assumption, but as a Canadian, can he participate in NIL on a student visa? I know that question has arisen in Condon and Chinyelu discussions. Maybe a different visa arrangement for Canadians?

 

Ollie or developemntal players might not be getting NIL money, but giving the last spot to Ollie would make sense.

I heard it might be for a developmental player as well.

 

Isn't Ollie a "developmental player?"

 

Maybe they can't see the forest through the trees.


Or something that looks like a tree...

 

Article: Recruiting Target: Spanish Big Fabian Flores
This guy?
It makes sense from multiple angles.
He's both "developmental" as in he's nowhere near the ceiling his body allows him, but comes from a high enough playing background to contribute immediately.
He fills the only "hole" which isn't much of one, but its who backs up Condon? (Assuming a return). Haugh will be starting at the 3 next year (per Golden). Rioux, Mikic and Handlogten are centers and while viable at the 4 spot - not optimal especially if we need someone more offensively minded and filling the role of a power forward especially a TG one that is expected to space and stretch the floor outside the arc. (Admittedly I'd like to see a Handlogten-Chin front court just to see the rebounding potential)
And he becomes the assumed replacement-in-training for Condon who I think we should assume will make the jump with 5-10 more pounds and another season of experience.