Olivier Rioux Makes College Basketball History at 7-Foot-9
Florida’s Olivier Rioux has officially become the tallest player ever to appear in a college basketball game in the United States — standing at a jaw-dropping 236 centimeters, or 7-foot-9. The 19-year-old from Canada made history when he stepped onto the court during Florida’s 104–64 win over North Florida, and the crowd absolutely erupted.
Fans at the O’Connell Center had been chanting “We want Ollie!” all night. Then, with just over two minutes left in the game, Florida coach Todd Golden finally sent Rioux in — and the place went wild. The cheers rivaled even the loudest moments of the night, including the unveiling of the team’s championship banner before the game.
As Rioux checked in, teammates stood up and fans screamed every time the ball came near him. Although he didn’t record a basket or even touch the ball, his presence alone made the night unforgettable. Even North Florida’s players couldn’t hide their amazement, with forward Trey Cady laughing as he looked up at the towering center who stood more than a foot taller than him.
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“It felt great,” Rioux said after the game. “The support from everybody was amazing, even from the bench and the fans. I’m very grateful.” When asked about making history, the young giant just smiled and said, “It’s another day, I guess.”
To put his size into perspective, Rioux is taller than NBA legends like Yao Ming, Manute Bol, and Gheorghe Mureșan — the last two of whom were previously tied as the tallest players in NBA history at 231 centimeters. He’s even taller than Florida’s basketball hoop crossbar, which sits just ten feet high.
Rioux first gained global attention years ago when he was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest teenager at age 15. Standing then at 7-foot-6, he already looked destined to become a basketball headline. When he joined the Florida Gators, he became something of a campus celebrity — whether seen ducking under doorways or riding his bike through campus.
Coach Golden shared that Rioux had been given the option to play sparingly last season or redshirt and focus on developing his skills. Rioux chose to train, and his commitment has paid off in more ways than one. “He’s put in a lot of great work,” Golden said. “He’s kept a great attitude without getting a lot of reward in terms of playing time.”
While Rioux may not yet have a big role on the team, his historic debut was more than just a personal milestone — it was a moment of pure joy for fans, players, and the sport itself. And as the tallest man to ever play college basketball, Olivier Rioux’s journey is only just beginning.
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