Published 1 year ago • loading... • Updated 1 year ago
The world’s tallest teenager becomes the tallest player in college basketball history
On Thursday, Nov. 6, Olivier Rioux made his college debut with 2:09 remaining at the O'Connell Center against North Florida, becoming the tallest player to ever play college basketball.
Florida coach Todd Golden relented after fans chanted 'We Want Ollie' at halftime, inserting Olivier Rioux late in the game after planning limited minutes and offering a redshirt option last year.
Standing at 7'9, Olivier Rioux already held a Guinness World Records entry as the world's tallest teenager and is taller than Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, but North Florida defense kept the ball from him.
Fans-first: The official crowd of 10,065 erupted when Rioux checked in, and the Gators routed North Florida 104, over 64, as teammates and coaches celebrated.
Rioux said 'It's another day, I guess.' after the game, while coaching staff praised Olivier Rioux, 19-year-old, and said he will await future opportunities to play more and touch the ball.