236cm Teenager Becomes Tallest-Ever US College Basketball Player
Olivier Rioux, a 19-year-old Canadian standing 236 cm tall, made history by becoming the tallest player ever to appear in a US college basketball game. He debuted for the University of Florida in their 104-64 victory over North Florida.
Game Debut and Reaction
With just over two minutes remaining, coach Todd Golden finally brought Rioux onto the court after hearing loud chants of “We Want Ollie” echo through the O’Connell Center. The crowd rose to its feet as the towering freshman entered the game, creating an unforgettable moment.
"The support from everybody was amazing, even on the bench and even the fans. I think everybody supported me. I'm very grateful."
Although Rioux didn’t handle the ball during his brief appearance, his presence captivated the entire arena. Even opponents couldn’t hide their fascination with his height.
Breaking Records and Reactions
At 236 cm, Rioux stands five centimeters taller than Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol, both recognized as the tallest players in NBA history. His debut set a new mark for college basketball, cementing his place in sports history.
"It's another day, I guess,"
Rioux joked modestly when asked about making history. His calm reaction contrasted the excitement around him, with fans and players alike smiling at the surreal sight. North Florida’s forward Trey Cady even grinned when standing next to Rioux, clearly overwhelmed by the height difference.
Coach and Team Support
Coach Todd Golden admitted he faced pressure during halftime to play Rioux. Yielding to fan enthusiasm paid off, creating a milestone moment both for the team and the young Canadian athlete, who also holds the record as the world’s tallest teenager.
Author’s summary: Olivier Rioux’s brief appearance for Florida became a historic highlight, making him the tallest athlete ever to step onto a US college basketball court.