Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux Makes College Basketball Debut
The moment Florida Gators fans eagerly awaited finally arrived Thursday night when Olivier Rioux, standing 7-foot-9, checked into the game with about two minutes left to play. This marked the college debut of the tallest player in college basketball.
Though the appearance was brief and anticlimactic during a 40-point blowout against North Florida, it was a milestone. Gator fans responded with enthusiasm as Rioux took the court.
“Gator fans went WILD for Olivier Rioux checking into the game 🐊 (via @SECNetwork)”
Rioux did not record any statistics in his short time on the floor but served as a celebratory presence for the crucial victory. The Gators bounced back after an opening loss to No. 13 Arizona by dominating the in-state Ospreys, winning 104-64 with 52 points scored in each half.
Rioux was on campus last year as a redshirt player and national champion, best known for cutting down his piece of the championship net himself.
Game Highlights
- Final score: Florida Gators 104, North Florida Ospreys 64
- Rioux's appearance lasted about two minutes near the end of the game
- Florida scored evenly with 52 points each half
- Gators had opened the season with a loss to No. 13 Arizona
Author’s summary: Olivier Rioux, the tallest player in college basketball at 7-foot-9, made his debut for Florida in a dominant win, marking the start of his college career after a redshirt national championship year.