History was made on the basketball court Thursday night as Terrebonne's Olivier Rioux, a freshman for the University of Florida Gators, officially became the tallest player to ever compete in an NCAA basketball game. Standing at a staggering 7-foot-9, the Quebec athlete stepped onto the court during the second half of his team's dominant 104-64 victory over North Florida.
A Landmark Debut in Gainesville
The monumental moment occurred during the Gators' second game of the season. Rioux, who was redshirted last year, finally made his official debut, coming off the bench to play for two minutes. While he did not record any points or rebounds in the limited action, his mere presence on the floor was enough to electrify the home crowd in Gainesville.
The 19-year-old received a massive ovation from fans when he entered the game, a moment of recognition for his unique place in sports history. "It felt great. The support from everybody was amazing. Even on the bench and even with the fans. Everybody supported me. I’m very grateful," Rioux told USA Today after the game.
More Than Just a Number: The Stats of a Giant
Rioux's height is not just a single record-breaking figure; it comes with a set of physical attributes that are almost unprecedented in the sport. The freshman center weighs 305 pounds and possesses an eight-foot wingspan. His shoe size is a remarkable 20.
His growth trajectory has been extraordinary. He was already 6-foot-1 at the age of eight and reached 6-foot-11 by the sixth grade. He crossed the 7-foot threshold the summer before entering Grade 7. For perspective, Rioux stands three inches taller than NBA Hall of Famer Yao Ming.
A Canadian Giant in the Spotlight
Olivier Rioux is no stranger to attention. His unique stature has previously put him in the spotlight, including a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. He also made headlines in Canada when he stood next to players from the Montreal Canadiens, making the professional hockey athletes appear small even while they were on skates.
His debut sent social media into a frenzy, with clips from sports media giants like SportsCenter and Ballislife showcasing the moment he checked into the game. The visual of Rioux standing next to a 6-foot-8 teammate, who looked short by comparison, captivated basketball fans and casual observers alike.
While his first official NCAA minutes were brief, the entry of Olivier Rioux marks a new chapter in basketball history, proving that the game's boundaries are still expanding. All eyes will be on this Canadian phenom as he continues his journey with the Florida Gators.
