A Moment Years in the Making

TAMPA, Fla. – Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 center for the Florida Gators, entered the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night against Prairie View A&M, marking a historic moment as the tallest player to ever compete in Division I college basketball. Rioux’s appearance drew a massive ovation from the crowd.

Rioux initially joined the Gators program in the summer of 2024, but was redshirted – a common practice in American college basketball allowing a player to preserve a year of eligibility – to focus on development. The university saw a need for him to improve his game before seeing significant playing time.

Limited Minutes, Lasting Impact

Prior to Thursday’s game, Rioux had appeared in 11 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging less than two minutes of playing time, typically in games already decided. With 1:54 remaining and the Gators leading Prairie View A&M 109-47, head coach Todd Golden subbed Rioux into the game.

In his brief appearance, Rioux managed to contribute 2 points with a dunk following an offensive rebound, grab 2 offensive rebounds and dish out 1 assist. The bench and the crowd erupted in celebration.

A Viral Moment

The moment Rioux stepped onto the court also created a viral image. Cameras focused on the height difference between Rioux and his opponent, Hassane Diallo, a 6-foot-8 player. The reaction of Diallo, appearing visibly surprised by Rioux’s stature, quickly circulated online.

International Experience

Rioux’s basketball journey extends beyond the United States. He previously played for Real Madrid in 2019 and represented Canada in the 2022 U-17 World Cup and the 2018 La Roda sub-12 minibasketball tournament. In 2021, Guinness World Records recognized him as the tallest teenager in the world, measuring 7 feet 5 inches at age 15.

As of November 2025, Rioux stands at 7 feet 9 inches.

FAQ

• How tall is Olivier Rioux? He is currently 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 m) tall.
• What team does Olivier Rioux play for? He plays for the Florida Gators.
• When did Olivier Rioux enter college basketball? He joined the Florida Gators in 2024 and made his debut in the 2025-26 season.
• What is Olivier Rioux’s background? He is Canadian and has played internationally for Real Madrid and the Canadian national team.