The University of Florida men’s basketball team had its home opener against the University of North Florida. The Gators dominated, and the final score was 104-64, but the real highlight was the debut of Olivier Rioux, the tallest player in NCAA Division I history.
Standing at a towering 7’9″, fans couldn’t help but notice Rioux, considering he towers over everyone. Despite coming off the bench in a blowout game, he has the potential to be a big part of head coach Todd Golden’s future for the Gators. He’s still developing as a player, but has the potential to be a massive game-changer.
Due to his height, he’s been dubbed the “Wemby Stopper,” considering he has five inches over San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama. The internet had plenty to say about Rioux’s debut, wasting no time reacting as he checked into the game and made history.
Here’s What Fans Said About Olivier Rioux, the “Wemby Stopper”
The moment Rioux entered the game is the moment he started trending on social media. Here’s what fans had to say about him:
An Atlanta sports fan said, “This is insane. He made his teammate look like a 7’0″ guard standing next to him.”
It’s true, Rioux does make other Florida big men like Alex Condon, Micah Handlogten, and Rueben Chinyelu look a lot like guards when they stand next to him. He’s usually scaled next to guys who are seven feet tall. Imagine how tall he looks when he’s next to people of average height.
Another fan says, “Whoa, this guy’s the ultimate secret weapon. All I can think of is what his parents’ grocery bill must have been like.”
Whoa, this guy’s the ultimate secret weapon. All I can think of is what his parents’ grocery bill must have been like.
— Elena 🇺🇸 (@Eleanor04066972) November 7, 2025
Imagine how many trips to the grocery store Rioux’s parents had to make for him. He might’ve filled up a whole cart by himself.
Naturally, others noted his appearance in comparison to his teammates.
One fan says, “He makes his 7-foot teammate look tiny.”
He makes his 7 foot teammate look tiny
— Lee (@Blanco22Bandit) November 7, 2025
Imagine the sheer novelty and disbelief fans must’ve had when they saw him check into the game. Gator fans who didn’t know about Rioux learned who he was real quick. Now, he is the most recognizable man across the University of Florida campus. It’s literally impossible to miss him.
Finally, fans drew on his “Wemby Stopper” nickname, saying, “He might be the only player who can stop Wemby he 5 inches taller that that alien. Olivier better learn NBA soon,” and another that said, “We need this guy to be the Wemby stopper.”
He might be the only player who can stop Wemby he 5 inches taller that that alien. Olivier better learn NBA soon
— Cbones345 (@Cbones345333) November 7, 2025
Rioux can be a big rotational piece in the NBA, and a lot of teams are likely to take a swing on him just for his height. However, if you’ve watched Wembanyama, he is much more athletic than Rioux is. If Rioux wants to keep the “Wemby Stopper” nickname, he’ll need to increase his athleticism.
