Florida State coach Todd Golden faced halftime criticism for bringing 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rieux into a game that resulted in a 104-64 victory over North Florida. Rieux, a 19-year-old redshirt freshman from Canada, made his college debut, becoming the tallest college basketball player in history, surpassing legends like Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol. His presence drew cheers and excitement, even from opposing players.
Rieux had opted for a redshirt season to refine his skills and often went viral for everyday activities due to his height. Despite limited playing time last season, he was acknowledged for maintaining a positive attitude. Golden emphasized the importance of giving bench players a chance and celebrated Rieux’s opportunity to take the court, which resulted in a heartfelt response from fans and teammates.
The crowd erupted in applause as Rieux checked in, and his teammates encouraged him to embrace the moment. The support he received highlighted his hard work and the excitement surrounding his debut.
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