236cm Teenager Becomes Tallest-Ever US College Basketball Player
Olivier Rioux caused a stir as he made his debut for Florida, becoming the tallest player to ever compete at the college level in the United States. The 19-year-old Canadian stands at an impressive 236cm, surpassing the height of NBA legends Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol by five centimetres.
Historic Debut
Florida coach Todd Golden faced intense pressure during halftime of Thursday night's game, with chants of "We Want Ollie" echoing through the O'Connell Center. He finally put Rioux into the game with 2:09 left, making history as Rioux stepped on the court in a 104-64 win over North Florida.
Standing Ovation and Impact
- Rioux received a standing ovation upon entering.
- Despite not touching the ball due to intense defense, Rioux drew significant attention.
- His presence even made opponents, like North Florida forward Trey Cady, smile as he measured himself against Rioux's height, conceding more than a foot.
"The support from everybody was amazing, even on the bench and even the fans. I think everybody supported me. I'm very grateful," Rioux said. When asked about his historic achievement, he remarked, "It's another day, I guess."
Rioux's debut captivated fans and marked a unique moment in college basketball history.
Author's summary: Olivier Rioux, standing 236cm tall, made history as the tallest US college basketball player, earning a standing ovation during Florida's decisive win despite limited court time.