World’s tallest teenager finally makes college basketball debut and comically towers over every opponent

Olivier Rioux, the world’s tallest teenager, became the tallest college basketball player ever after making his highly anticipated debut for the Florida Gators.

Rioux, who is 2.70 meters tall, played for the first time in a Florida jersey in the 104-64 win over North Florida on Thursday night.

According to the footage, the 19-year-old from Montreal was greeted with loud cheers from the crowd as he prepared to take the stage with just 2:09 left on the clock.

In a viral video clip, those inside the O’Connell Center were thrown into a frenzied frenzy as Rioux stripped naked and made his way to the substitution booth.

One commentator was heard saying: ‘This is as loud as it’s been all night.’

The Florida center was seen having a deep conversation with one of the team’s coaches before receiving a brief pep talk from a teammate as he entered the court.

The 6-foot-10 Rioux made the Florida Gators team on Thursday night.

Despite failing to score any points on the night, his entry into the game means Rioux will always be remembered in the university history books.

The 7-foot-2 star broke the record previously held by UNC Asheville’s Kenny George and Hardin-Simmons’ Mike Lanier. Both stood at 7 foot 7.

Speaking after Thursday’s game, Rioux said: ‘It was a great feeling. The support from everyone was amazing, even from the bench and the fans.

‘Everyone supported me and I’m so grateful.’

For some fans, this was a long-awaited development.

Florida head coach Todd Golden regularly faced calls to play at Rioux after redshirting the young powerhouse as a freshman.

Speaking after the game, Golden said: ‘There were people shouting at me at half-time about playing him. I said listen, it will happen, the time will come. I can be stubborn.

‘I don’t listen to directions very well, so when they yell at me to do it, maybe I’ll wait a little longer.’

Rioux towered over his opponent, including a player who stood 6 feet tall

Rioux was photographed with his Florida teammates at a game earlier this year

The 19-year-old was spotted practicing at the FIBA ​​U19 Basketball World Cup in July.

‘Obviously we had the game under our control and I thought this would be a good opportunity to get him out there and have his first varsity experience,’ Golden said.

‘I think he was quite excited. It was quite nice for him to finally see the floor. I would like him to get a touch.

‘He’s done a lot of great work and a great attitude, which is admirable, without getting a lot of reward in terms of playing time and opportunity.

‘He entered this year knowing our ability to bring back the frontcourt would limit his opportunities.’

But things could have been very different after Rioux tried his hand at football in the summer and practiced with the Gators.

There were hopes among coaches that Rioux could be a useful asset in blocking field goals and extra points, given his massive wingspan.

However, Rioux struggled to actually make an impact due to his 11-inch vertical and was unable to block any shots during practice.

In 2022, he entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest living male teenager.