Florida Gators reserve center Olivier Rioux (32) looks to pass in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. [Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images]

From Gator to Anteater: Olivier Rioux Makes History in First Career Start

Former Florida men’s basketball player Olivier Rioux made history Tuesday night by becoming the tallest player to start a Division I NCAA game.

Standing at 7-foot-9, Rioux started for the UC Irvine Anteaters and contributed to a 92-66 win against the Chapman Panthers.

Rioux recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds in the season opener. He dominated the court with his height, throwing down a dunk from behind the backboard with ease a minute into the second half.

Although he was known for his towering stature as a Gator and a fan favorite, Rioux struggled to find consistent playing time in Gainesville. The Quebec native redshirted his freshman season in 2024-25, the season Florida won its third national championship.

During the 2025-26 season, Rioux appeared in 11 games, averaging 1.5 minutes per game. He made his NCAA Tournament debut in Florida’s first-round win against Prairie View A&M, throwing down a slam.

Rioux is looking to make his mark in the Big West Conference with UC Irvine.

Even before his college career, he was making headlines for his height, earning recognition from Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest teenager.

Category: Former Gators, Gator Sports, Gators Men's Basketball