Florida's Oliver Rioux Makes History as Tallest College Basketball Player

Florida coach Todd Golden faced a chorus of fans chanting for Olivier Rioux at halftime, urging him to get the towering center into the game. With just over two minutes remaining in a blowout victory against North Florida, Golden made the decision to play Rioux, who stands at an astonishing seven feet nine inches tall.

This moment marked a historic achievement, as Rioux became the tallest player in college basketball history, surpassing giants like Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol by two inches. Rioux, a nineteen-year-old redshirt freshman from Canada, received an overwhelming amount of support from fans and teammates, even if he didn't touch the ball during his debut. 'It felt great,' Rioux expressed, acknowledging the encouragement he received from everyone, both on the bench and in the stands.

His coach, Todd Golden, noted that the fans were eager to see Rioux play, emphasizing the importance of giving younger players opportunities once the game was under control. Golden had previously opted to redshirt Rioux, allowing him to focus on improving his game behind a strong frontcourt.

Despite limited playing time, Rioux became a viral sensation, known for his unique experiences on campus, from riding a bike to ducking under doorways. In the game, when Rioux checked in, fans erupted in cheers, second only to the ovation given for the championship banner unveiling.

Teammate Micah Handlogten encouraged Rioux to play with confidence, reminding him of the hard work he put in over the last two years. As Rioux made his way onto the court, the excitement was palpable, and although he didn’t touch the ball, the moment was significant for both him and the program.

Fans and teammates celebrated his entry, marking a new chapter in college basketball history with Rioux's debut.