Gators’ 7-foot-9 Rioux Makes Historic College Basketball Debut
Olivier Rioux, standing 7 feet 9 inches tall, made his highly anticipated debut for the Florida Gators against North Florida, becoming the tallest player in college basketball history.
Historic Moment at O’Connell Center
With Florida leading 102-61 and only 2:09 left in the game, Coach Todd Golden introduced Rioux, sparking cheers from a crowd of 10,065 fans chanting, “Oli, Oli, Oli.” This marked Rioux’s first game since joining the Gators in summer 2024, making him a fan favorite despite limited playtime.
“It felt great. The support from everybody was amazing. Even on the bench and even with the fans. I’m very grateful,” said the 19-year-old Canadian.
Making History Without Scoring
Though Rioux didn’t score or collect rebounds, his presence on the court set a record, overtaking the previous tallest college player, 7-foot-7 Kenny George, who played at UNC Asheville from 2006 to 2008.
Rioux is also taller by two inches than former NBA giants Manute Bol and Gheorghe Muresan.
“It’s another day, I guess,” Rioux remarked, noting his unusual status on campus as people often stop him for photos, autographs, or conversations.
Game Outcome
The Gators secured a commanding 104-64 victory over North Florida, celebrating simultaneously with the unveiling of the 2025 championship banner.
Summary: Olivier Rioux’s debut not only set a height record but also captivated fans, marking a memorable milestone for college basketball and the University of Florida.
Would you like me to make the summary more formal or casual?