Florida Gators ’ freshman Olivier Rioux added a record to his name in his rookie year. At 7 feet 9 inches, the Montreal based athlete is the tallest college basketball player in the history of NBA. During a recent game between the Florida Gators and North Florida Ospreys , Olivier Rioux diverted the media light with his towering height. Reportedly, he has left behind 7-foot-7 UNC Asheville star Kenny George and Hardin-Simmons’ basketball star Mike Lannier in the list of tall players.
The Florida Gators dominated the North Florida Ospreys with an overall score of 104-64. Gators coach Todd Golden revealed the crowd was desperate to witness Rioux on court at O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. The crowd was excited to see the 19-year-old make history as the tallest athlete in college basketball.
Florida Gators’ coach Todd Golden reveals being impressed with Olivier Rioux
Olivier Rioux made headlines with his towering presence during a recent face-off between Florida Gators and North Florida Ospreys. Coach Todd Golden revealed being impressed with the 7-foot-9 basketball freshman, and said,
“I talked to the guys at halftime when we’re up 24 and I expressed to them the importance of getting off to a really good start so we can get some of the younger guys and some of the guys from down on the bench an opportunity to play and to get some rip.”
Golden further mentioned,
“Obviously the game was in our control and thought it would be a good opportunity to get him out there and get his first college experience, and I think he was pretty excited. It was pretty neat for him to finally see the floor.”
Fans gave their loudest cheers of the game the moment Gators’ coach Todd Golden signaled Olivier Rioux to enter the court. Rioux took off his warm-up shirt and ran to the scorer’s table. His teammates and coaches cheered, and the crowd roared every time the ball went near him.
Olivier Rioux became the tallest person to play college basketball. The Canadian freshman became an overnight sensation, all thanks to his towering height. The 19-year-old made a debut in a 104-64 victory matchup over the North Florida Ospreys.
Also Read: “I called her a classless piece of s***”- Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy straightaway refused to apologize for harsh Angel Reese commentary
The Florida Gators dominated the North Florida Ospreys with an overall score of 104-64. Gators coach Todd Golden revealed the crowd was desperate to witness Rioux on court at O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. The crowd was excited to see the 19-year-old make history as the tallest athlete in college basketball.
Florida Gators’ coach Todd Golden reveals being impressed with Olivier Rioux
Olivier Rioux made headlines with his towering presence during a recent face-off between Florida Gators and North Florida Ospreys. Coach Todd Golden revealed being impressed with the 7-foot-9 basketball freshman, and said,
“I talked to the guys at halftime when we’re up 24 and I expressed to them the importance of getting off to a really good start so we can get some of the younger guys and some of the guys from down on the bench an opportunity to play and to get some rip.”
Golden further mentioned,
“It’s just another day I guess”
— Daren Stoltzfus WESH (@DarenStoltzfus) November 7, 2025
7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux on becoming the tallest player to ever play basketball for the #Gators
For perspective the two guys he’s sitting next to are 6’ 11” and 7’ 1”
Haugh is the small 6’ 9” guy on the end pic.twitter.com/MUwdkDSMA7
“Obviously the game was in our control and thought it would be a good opportunity to get him out there and get his first college experience, and I think he was pretty excited. It was pretty neat for him to finally see the floor.”
Fans gave their loudest cheers of the game the moment Gators’ coach Todd Golden signaled Olivier Rioux to enter the court. Rioux took off his warm-up shirt and ran to the scorer’s table. His teammates and coaches cheered, and the crowd roared every time the ball went near him.
Olivier Rioux became the tallest person to play college basketball. The Canadian freshman became an overnight sensation, all thanks to his towering height. The 19-year-old made a debut in a 104-64 victory matchup over the North Florida Ospreys.
Also Read: “I called her a classless piece of s***”- Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy straightaway refused to apologize for harsh Angel Reese commentary
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