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The Florida Gators had a nice surge in the fourth quarter of their win over North Florida on Thursday, but fans had a big ask for head coach Todd Golden.
They wanted to see Olivier Rioux, the world’s tallest teenager at 7 feet 9 inches, make his college debut, chanting “We want Ollie!” swept the arena.
Golden granted the raucous crowd’s wish with 2:09 left in the game when he slotted in Rioux. In Rioux’s two minutes of action, he didn’t even touch the ball due to 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., Nov. 6, 2025. (Photo Chris Watkins/AP)
“It was awesome,” Rioux said. “The support from everyone has been incredible, even on the bench and even among the fans. I think everyone has supported me. I’m very grateful.”
Rioux’s appearance lit up the entire arena. Even North Florida forward Trey Cady smiled as he went up against a towering redshirt freshman. Rioux became the greatest player to ever step on the court in college basketball history.
When asked if he wanted to make history, Rioux joked: “It’s another day, I guess.”
Golden said the demands for Rioux to enter the game began at halftime.
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North Florida guard Trey Cady, right forward, defends against Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Gainesville, Fla., Nov. 6, 2025. (Photo Chris Watkins/AP)
“There are people yelling at me at halftime about playing him,” Golden said. “I’m like, ‘Look, it’s going to 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 thanked the Canadian native for his work ethic despite not getting much playing time.
“He did a lot of good work,” Golden said. “It must be recognized that he kept a good attitude without getting many rewards 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, November 3, 2025. The Wildcats defeated the Gators 93-87. (David Becker/Getty Images)
Golden stressed the importance of his players at halftime building a big lead, so young players like Rioux can get a chance to play.
“I talked to the guys at halftime when we were up 24 and expressed to them the importance of getting off to a really good start so we can give some of the younger guys and some guys on the bench an opportunity to play and tear up,” Golden said. “Obviously the game was in our control and we thought it would be a good opportunity to get him out there and get his first varsity experience, and I think he was pretty excited.”
Rioux’s next chance to take the field will be when the Gators take on Florida State on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.
