Florida’s Olivier Rioux sets record as tallest player ever to appear in a college basketball game

Florida coach Todd Golden finally gave in to the chants echoing through the O’Connell Center on Thursday night, as fans called for 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux to enter the game. With just over two minutes left in the Gators’ 104–64 victory over North Florida, Golden substituted the redshirt freshman into the lineup — making history in the process. Rioux officially became the tallest player ever to appear in a college basketball game. The 19-year-old Canadian, already recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest teenager, didn’t record any stats during his brief appearance but received thunderous applause from the crowd. “It felt great,” Rioux said afterward. “The support from everybody was amazing … I’m very grateful.”

Golden said fans had been urging him since halftime to play Rioux, who stands two inches taller than NBA legends Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol. Rioux spent last season developing his game during a redshirt year, choosing patience over immediate playing time. Despite his limited minutes, he became something of a campus celebrity — from towering over classmates to ducking through doorways and cutting down nets flat-footed during Florida’s NCAA tournament run. “He’s put in a lot of great work,” Golden said. “He’s kept a great attitude without much reward in terms of playing time, and he deserved that moment tonight.”

When Golden finally motioned for Rioux to check in, fans erupted with the loudest cheers of the night — second only to the team’s pregame championship banner reveal. His teammates were just as thrilled, celebrating on the bench as Rioux entered the game. Every time the ball came near him, the crowd roared in anticipation. Although he didn’t touch the ball, his presence alone became the highlight of the evening. “To see him out there running up and down the court with a little smile on his face, it was really good to see,” teammate Micah Handlogten said. “He’s worked so hard for this. That was his moment.”