NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
The Florida Gators took a big lead in the fourth quarter of their win over North Florida on Thursday, but 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 college debut, while chanting “We want Ollie!” He swept the sand.
Golden got the wish of the vociferous crowd with 2:09 left in the game when he inserted Rioux. In the two minutes of action, Rioux did not even touch the ball because of the attention he demanded.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
North Florida guard Dante Oliver, left, and North Florida forward Nestor Dyachok, right, guard against Florida center Olivier Rioux, center, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Gainesville, Florida, on Nov. 6, 2025. (Chris Watkins/AP Photo)
“It felt great,” Rioux said. “Everyone’s support was incredible, 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 smiled when comparing himself to an imposing redshirt freshman. Rioux became the tallest player to step onto the court in the history of college basketball.
When asked about making history, Rioux joked, “I guess it’s another day.”
Golden said requests for Rioux to enter the game began at halftime.
FORMER NBA PLAYER AND FORMER DUKE STANDOUT KYLE SINGLER ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED ASSAULT IN OKLAHOMA, OFFICIALS SAY
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, Florida, on Nov. 6, 2025. (Chris Watkins/AP Photo)
“There are people yelling at me at halftime for playing with 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 despite not getting much playing time.
“He’s done a great job,” Golden said. “To his credit, he has maintained a great attitude without receiving much reward in terms of playing time and opportunities.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Olivier Rioux (32) of the Florida Gators looks on 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, on Nov. 3, 2025. The Wildcats defeated the Gators 93-87. (David Becker/Getty Images)
Golden stressed the importance for his players at halftime to build a big lead, so young players like Rioux could have a chance to play.
“I talked to the guys at halftime when we were up 24 and expressed the importance of getting off to a really good start so we can give some of the younger guys and some of the guys on the bench a chance to play and accomplish something,” Golden said. “Obviously the game was under our control and we thought it would be a good opportunity to get him out there and have his first college experience, and I think he was very excited.”
Rioux’s next chance to take the court is when the Gators face Florida State on Tuesday at 7 pm ET.
