UC Irvine center Olivier Rioux, listed at 7-foot-9, made his debut for the Anteaters on Tuesday and became the tallest player to start a Division I basketball game. Rioux finished with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, adding a block in 18 minutes during a 92-66 win over Chapman (Division III).
Rioux transferred from Florida this offseason after two seasons with the Gators, including their 2025 national championship run. He shot 6-of-9 from the floor, with his first basket coming less than two minutes into the game. Later, Rioux — who can touch the rim with his standing reach — threw down a one-handed dunk without leaving the ground.
After beginning his career as a preferred walk-on at Florida, Rioux appeared in 11 games during the 2025-26 season, totaling 17 minutes over two years. In his UC Irvine debut, he already surpassed that total. In 2021, Guinness World Records recognized Rioux as the tallest teenager in the world at 7-foot-5. Last season, he became the tallest college basketball player ever to appear in a game when he checked in against North Florida.
Rioux's height drew attention during Florida's 2025 Elite Eight victory over Texas Tech, when he cut down the nets without a ladder. At UC Irvine, he faces a less crowded frontcourt and a clearer path to significant playing time.
