Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux Makes College Basketball Debut
The moment Florida Gators fans had eagerly awaited finally arrived on Thursday night. Olivier Rioux, standing 7-foot-9, checked into the game with about two minutes remaining. This marked the college debut of the tallest player in college basketball.
Though the entry was somewhat anticlimactic in a dominant 40-point win over North Florida, it was a crucial first step.
Game Highlights and Team Performance
Rioux did not register any statistics in his brief two-minute appearance but served as a celebratory figure at the end of a significant Gators win. After opening the season with a tough loss against No. 13 Arizona, the Gators returned home to face the in-state but less competitive North Florida Ospreys.
The defending national champions performed strongly, scoring 52 points in each half and securing a 104-64 victory.
Background on Olivier Rioux
Rioux was with the team last year as a redshirt and national champion, gaining recognition for cutting down a piece of the net at the championship celebration.
“This was it, the college debut of the tallest player in college hoops.”
“Gator fans went WILD for Olivier Rioux checking into the game.”
Author's summary: Olivier Rioux, the tallest player in college basketball, made his much-anticipated debut for the Florida Gators in a commanding win, symbolizing the start of his collegiate career.