236cm Teenager Becomes Tallest-Ever US College Basketball Player
Olivier Rioux, a 19-year-old Canadian standing 236cm tall, has set a new record as the tallest person to play college basketball in the United States. He made his debut for the University of Florida during a 104-64 win over North Florida.
Historic Debut and Fan Reaction
Rioux entered the game with just two minutes remaining, triggering a standing ovation from the crowd at the O'Connell Center. The chants of "We Want Ollie" echoed throughout the arena, pressuring coach Todd Golden to finally put the towering center on the court.
"The support from everybody was amazing, even on the bench and even the fans. I think everybody supported me. I'm very grateful."
Despite not touching the ball during the game, Rioux's presence captivated audiences, earning smiles and admiration from both fans and players alike.
Comparison to Other Tall Players
- Rioux is five centimeters taller than Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol, the tallest players in NBA history.
- He is considered the world's tallest teenager.
"It's another day, I guess," Rioux said modestly when asked about making history.
North Florida forward Trey Cady humorously compared himself against Rioux, acknowledging the massive height difference.
Coach's Perspective
Coach Todd Golden faced strong calls from fans during halftime to get Rioux onto the court, which culminated in his historic appearance late in the game.
Author's summary: Olivier Rioux's debut at 236cm marks a historic milestone as the tallest player in US college basketball, drawing widespread fan admiration despite limited playtime.