Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux Finally Makes His College Basketball Debut
It was the moment Florida Gators fans had long anticipated. Olivier Rioux, standing an astonishing seven feet nine inches tall, approached the scorer's table with about two minutes left to play on Thursday night, marking his long-awaited college debut—the tallest player in NCAA basketball history stepping onto the court at last.
Though the game itself was far from dramatic, ending in a commanding 104–64 victory over North Florida, the energy in the arena spiked as Rioux took the floor. Fans erupted in cheers as he checked in, celebrating a symbolic moment more than a competitive one.
“Gator fans went wild for Olivier Rioux checking into the game,” noted SEC Network footage shared on social media.
Rioux didn’t record any stats during his two minutes of play. His appearance was more celebratory, a fitting close to a decisive win after the Gators had dropped their season opener to No. 13 Arizona. Returning home, they regained confidence, dominating both halves with 52 points each.
Last year, Rioux spent his redshirt season with the national champion Gators. Already part of championship lore, he became known for one iconic image — cutting down his piece of the championship net without needing a ladder.
Author’s Summary
Olivier Rioux, at 7-foot-9, debuted for the Florida Gators in a rout over North Florida, thrilling fans and marking a symbolic milestone in college basketball history.
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