7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux posts a double-double in UC Irvine debut

Olivier Rioux made his UC Irvine debut Tuesday, Nov. 3, and the 7-foot-9 Florida transfer posted a double-double in a 92-66 win over Division III Chapman at the Bren Events Center, per UC Irvine Athletics.

Rioux finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds in 19 minutes, going 6-of-9 from the field with one block. UC Irvine called it his first career double-double and his first collegiate start. CBS Sports noted he became the tallest player in college basketball history to start a Division I game. Luke Isaak scored 16 points in his own collegiate debut, and six Anteaters finished in double figures as UCI controlled the glass 56-30 and outscored Chapman 50-16 in the paint.

Rioux spent two seasons at Florida, including the Gators' 2025 national title run, then transferred to Irvine in April seeking minutes behind a deep Gainesville frontcourt. UC Irvine said he set career highs in points and rebounds in the opener. CBS reported he logged more minutes in this debut (UCI lists 19) than across his entire Florida career.

The Anteaters used a 15-0 first-half run to seize control, then answered a late Chapman push with 13 unanswered points. UCI shot 54.1 percent, finished with seven blocks and held Chapman to 33.8 percent shooting. Tama Isaac and Josiah Johnson each scored 12; Nils Cooper and Jovan Jester Jr. each had 10. Nes Emeneke added four blocks and seven rebounds off the bench. Joe Keegan led Chapman with 20 points.

SportsCenter posted highlight video of Rioux finishing around the rim, including a one-handed dunk that barely required a jump. USA Today and CBS both framed the night around the history of his size and the production in limited minutes.

What to watch

UC Irvine hosts San José State on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. ET. The open question is whether Rioux's minutes and production hold as Big West play approaches after a debut that already delivered a double-double as the tallest DI starter on record.