236cm teenager becomes tallest-ever US college basketball player

236cm Teenager Becomes Tallest-Ever US College Basketball Player

Olivier Rioux, a 19-year-old Canadian standing 236cm tall, made history by becoming the tallest player to ever compete in college basketball in the United States. His debut for Florida caused a stir as the crowd gave him a standing ovation with just two minutes left in the game against North Florida.

Historic Moment at Florida

Coach Todd Golden faced immense pressure during halftime to introduce Rioux into the game. Chants of "We Want Ollie" echoed through the O'Connell Center, prompting Golden to finally put the towering centre on the court with 2:09 remaining. Florida went on to secure a decisive 104-64 victory.

Rioux's Unique Presence

Despite the excitement, Rioux did not touch the ball during the game, as he attracted so much attention from the opposing team, the North Florida Ospreys. His height surpasses that of Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol, the two tallest players in NBA history, by five centimeters.

"The support from everybody was amazing, even on the bench and even the fans. I think everybody supported me. I'm very grateful."

When asked about making history, Rioux said, "It's another day, I guess."

Impact on Opponents

Rioux's extraordinary height even amused North Florida forward Trey Cady, who smiled while measuring himself against him. Cady was conceding over a foot in height in their matchup.

Summary

Olivier Rioux’s debut as the tallest US college basketball player brought excitement and historical recognition, showcasing his remarkable stature and the supportive atmosphere around him.

ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) — 2025-11-07