Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux Finally Makes His College Basketball Debut
The long-awaited moment arrived for Florida Gators fans on Thursday night. Olivier Rioux, standing an astonishing 7 feet 9 inches tall, approached the scorer's table with two minutes remaining in the game, marking his first official appearance in college basketball.
“There went Olivier Rioux, all 7-foot-9 of him, to the scorer's table with about two minutes to play on Thursday night.”
Although the game’s outcome was already decided—a dominant 104–64 victory over North Florida—the debut was symbolic. Rioux didn’t record any stats during his brief appearance, but his entry served as a celebratory moment in a much-needed win for the defending national champions.
The team had previously faced a tough loss against No. 13 Arizona, making this home win a confidence boost. Fans erupted with excitement when Rioux entered the court, cheering as a new chapter began for the tallest player in college basketball.
“He was the victory cigar on a much-needed win for the Gators.”
Last season, Rioux was part of Florida’s national championship roster in a redshirt role, becoming a notable figure for his unmatched height and his moment cutting down the net after the team’s title run.
Author’s Summary
Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 Florida Gator, made a brief but memorable college debut in a decisive win, sparking excitement among fans and marking the start of his collegiate career.
More News
- Anunay Sood, Emman Atienza and more: A look at young influencers who passed away in 2025 | Mint
- Sacramento's housing crisis: A family's struggle - The Sacramento Observer
- Voice of the Global South
- Sacramento’s fourth annual Golden Harvest Festival highlights the city’s multicultural richness
- Sacramento Man Brian Christiansen Convicted of Second-Degree Murder of Ex-Wife, Faces 40 Years to Life
- Almost a Month After Its Season Finale, Social Media Can't Stop Talking About This Gruesome Sci-Fi Series