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The Florida Gators were up in the fourth quarter of their win over North Florida on Thursday, yet fans had a big request for head coach Todd Golden.
They wanted to see Olivier Rioux, the world’s tallest teenager at 7-foot-9, make his collegiate debut, as chants of “We want Ollie!” swept through the arena.
Golden granted the vociferous crowd’s wish with 2:09 left in the game when he inserted Rioux. In Rioux’s two minutes of action, he didn’t even touch the ball because of the attention he commanded.
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North Florida guard Dante Oliver, left, and North Florida forward Nestor Dyachok, right, guard Florida center Olivier Rioux, center, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Gainesville, Fla., on Nov. 6, 2025. (Chris Watkins/AP Photo)
“It felt great,” Rioux said. “The support from everyone was amazing, even on the bench and even the fans. I think everyone supported me. I’m very grateful.”
Rioux’s appearance lit up the entire arena. Even North Florida forward Trey Cady was smiling as he measured himself against a towering redshirt freshman. Rioux became the tallest player ever to step onto the court in college basketball history.
When asked about making history, Rioux said: “It’s another day, I guess.”
Golden said the calls for Rioux to enter the game began at halftime.
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North Florida guard Trey Cady, front right, defends against Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Gainesville, Fla., on Nov. 6, 2025. (Chris Watkins/AP Photo)
“There are people yelling at me at halftime to play him,” Golden said. “I say, ‘Listen, it will happen. The time will come’.”
Rioux is 2 inches (5 centimeters) taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, and 3 inches taller than popular big men Yao Ming, Tacko Fall and Shawn Bradley.
Golden credited the Canadian native for his work ethic even though he didn’t get much playing time.
“He’s done a lot of great work,” Golden said. “To his credit, he’s kept a great attitude without getting a lot of reward in terms of playing time and opportunities.”
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Olivier Rioux (32) of the Florida Gators watches from the bench during the first half of a Hall of Fame Series game against the Arizona Wildcats at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nov. 3, 2025. The Wildcats defeated the Gators 93-87. (David Becker/Getty Images)
Golden emphasized the importance of building a big lead for his players at halftime so that young players like Rioux could get a chance to play.
“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 down the bench an opportunity to play and get some rip,” Golden said. “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.”
Rioux’s next chance to take the floor is when the Gators take on Florida State on Tuesday at 19 A.M.
