Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Olivier Rioux, 7-Foot-9, Becomes Tallest College Basketball Player
Imagine a super-tall basketball player named Olivier who is 7 feet and 9 inches tall!
He is so tall that he's the tallest person ever to play college basketball.
On Thursday night, during a game his team, the Florida Gators, was winning by a lot, people in the crowd started cheering to see him play.
Even though he didn't touch the ball in the game, Olivier finally got to step onto the court for the first time.
He said it felt great and that everyone was very supportive.
He was already famous for his height and even has a Guinness World Record.
He's been practicing hard and waited patiently for his chance, and his coach said it was a neat moment for him to finally play.
Olivier Rioux, a 19-year-old from Canada, became the tallest player in college basketball history at 7-foot-9.
He made his debut for the University of Florida during their 104-64 win against North Florida.
Rioux entered the game with 2:09 remaining after crowd chants of "We Want Ollie."
He has previously been recognized by the Guinness World Records for his height.
Despite not touching the ball in his debut, Rioux expressed gratitude for the support and called it a great experience.
- Who
- Olivier Rioux, a 19-year-old Canadian redshirt freshman.
- What
- Became the tallest individual to play college basketball.
- When
- During his debut on Thursday night, November 7, 2025.
- Where
- O'Connell Center, University of Florida.
- Why
- He was put into the game late in a blowout win, fulfilling crowd chants and his coach's promise.
- Player Name
- Olivier Rioux
- Height
- 7-foot-9
- Age
- 19
- Nationality
- Canadian
- Team
- University of Florida
- Debut Game Opponent
- North Florida
- Debut Game Score
- Florida 104, North Florida 64