Florida's 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux Makes College Basketball Debut
The moment many Florida Gators fans anticipated finally arrived Thursday night when Olivier Rioux, standing 7-foot-9, took the court near the end of the game. This marked the college debut of the tallest player in college basketball.
Although the game ended in a dominating 104-64 victory against North Florida, Rioux played just under two minutes without recording any statistics. His appearance came late in the game, serving as a celebratory finish for the team.
“Gator fans went WILD for Olivier Rioux checking into the game 🐊 (via @SECNetwork)”
The Gators, defending national champions, had started their season facing a tough opponent in No. 13 Arizona, where they suffered a loss. The home game against the in-state Ospreys, a less competitive team, allowed Florida to comfortably secure the win.
Rioux was already part of the team last year as a redshirt and national champion, famously celebrating by cutting down a piece of the net from the ground.
Game Highlights
- Rioux's debut came with about two minutes left in the game.
- Florida scored 52 points in each half, showcasing their dominance.
- The win served as a confidence booster after a tough season opener.
Rioux's Background
On campus last season during his redshirt year, Rioux embraced the champion role without playing, known for his towering height and symbolic net cutting during the championship celebrations.
Summary: Olivier Rioux, the tallest player in college basketball history at 7-foot-9, made his Florida Gators debut as a late-game presence in a commanding season-opening win.
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