### Historic Debut: Olivier Rioux Becomes the Tallest Player in College Basketball History Olivier Rioux, a 19-year-old redshirt freshman from Canada, made history on November 7, 2025, by becoming the tallest player ever to participate in college basketball. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 9 inches (236 cm), Rioux debuted for the Florida Gators during their 104-64 victory over North Florida. His entrance onto the court was met with enthusiastic cheers from the home crowd, who chanted "We Want Ollie" as he checked in with just over two minutes left in the game. Despite not touching the ball during his brief appearance, Rioux's presence alone was enough to create a buzz, and he humorously remarked, "It's another day, I guess" when asked about his historic achievement [https://apnews.com/article/olivier-rioux-debut-tallest-teenager-e5ffa5837fc989abde233fa2bdc8f555]. ### Overview of the News Event Structure 1. **Introduction to Olivier Rioux** - Background on Rioux as the world's tallest teenager and his journey to college basketball. - Details of his debut game and the significance of his height in the sport. 2. **Game Highlights** - Description of the Florida Gators' victory over North Florida. - Rioux's limited playing time and the crowd's reaction. 3. **Historical Context** - Explanation of the record set by Rioux as the tallest player in NCAA history. - Comparison with previous records and the impact on college basketball. 4. **Public and Media Reaction** - Overview of fan excitement and media coverage surrounding Rioux's debut. - Quotes from Rioux and coach Todd Golden regarding the event. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Height Record**: Olivier Rioux's height of 7 feet 9 inches makes him the tallest player in NCAA history, surpassing previous records [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-07/basketball-olivier-rioux-college-debut-tallest-player-ever/105985666]. - **Game Statistics**: The Florida Gators won the game against North Florida with a score of 104-64, showcasing their strong performance [https://espn.co.uk/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/46877996/gators-rioux-becomes-tallest-college-basketball-player]. - **Fan Engagement**: The crowd's enthusiastic response, including chants for Rioux, highlights the excitement surrounding his debut [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/florida-fans-wild-7-foot-044702870.html]. ### Conclusion: A New Era in College Basketball **Olivier Rioux's debut marks a significant milestone in college basketball history.** 1. **Historic Achievement**: Rioux's height sets a new NCAA record, drawing attention to the physical diversity in sports. 2. **Impact on the Game**: His presence on the court, even without scoring, demonstrates the influence of unique athletes in college basketball. 3. **Future Prospects**: As Rioux continues his college career, he may inspire future generations of players and fans alike. This event not only celebrates Rioux's individual accomplishment but also enriches the narrative of college basketball, showcasing how extraordinary athletes can redefine the game [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/us-sport/world-tallest-teenager-basketball-history-b2860878.html].