UF’s Olivier Rioux Makes Historic College Basketball Debut
Florida’s 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux officially debuted against North Florida, becoming the tallest player in college basketball history. Despite not scoring or rebounding, Rioux’s presence marked a significant milestone for the sport.
Game Highlights and Crowd Reaction
With UF leading 104-64 late in the game at the O’Connell Center, the crowd of approximately 10,065 chanted “Oli, Oli, Oli” in support of the towering freshman. Coach Todd Golden responded by putting Rioux on the court with 2:09 remaining, sparking excitement among the fans.
“It felt great. The support from everybody was amazing. Even on the bench and even with the fans. I’m very grateful.” – Olivier Rioux
Historic Significance
At 7-foot-9, Rioux surpassed the previous record held by Kenny George, who stood 7-foot-7 and played for UNC Asheville from 2006 to 2008. His height has made him a campus-wide curiosity, often approached by fans for photos and conversations.
Teammates’ Reactions
Rioux’s teammates, especially his close friend Micah Handlogten, expressed great excitement for his debut. Handlogten, who is 7-foot-1, joked about feeling small next to Rioux and encouraged him to "play with confidence."
“So much fun. When he was checking into the game, I kind of stopped him and I was like, ‘Play with confidence.’” – Micah Handlogten
Olivier Rioux’s debut not only broke height records but also inspired teammates and fans, marking a memorable start to his college basketball journey.
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