Towering Impact: Olivier Rioux Dominates in Game 2 Showdown Against Slovenia at FIBA U19 World Cup…Read more…
In a performance that echoed through the hardwood halls of Debrecen, Hungary, 7-foot-9 Canadian center Olivier Rioux stood quite literally head and shoulders above the competition in Game 2 of the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. Facing a gritty Slovenia side, Rioux delivered his most commanding performance yet, powering Team Canada to a vital 84–70 victory that solidified their presence as a tournament force.
The young giant, already a global sensation due to his unprecedented height and growing skillset, was a spectacle of dominance on both ends of the court. Rioux posted a double-double, finishing the night with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 assists in just 23 minutes of play. But beyond the box score, it was the psychological impact he imposed on the Slovenian squad that told the real story.
A Man Among Teens
From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Rioux would be a problem for Slovenia. Canada’s guards didn’t hesitate to feed the towering center inside, where he repeatedly caught high-entry passes and converted with effortless hook shots and dunks. Slovenia, which had tried to prepare with a mix of double-teams and zone adjustments, had no answer for Rioux’s wingspan and presence.
“He changes the game the moment he steps on the floor,” said Canadian head coach Patrick Tatham. “When Olivier plays with confidence and aggression like he did today, it shifts the dynamic in our favor completely.”
The Slovenian team, though tactically sharp and technically sound, couldn’t compensate for the physical mismatch. Their attempts to draw Rioux away from the basket on defense only exposed them further in transition, as the big man proved surprisingly mobile for his size.
Anchor of the Defense
While his offensive contribution was formidable, Rioux’s true value may have been felt most on defense. He altered countless shots in the paint, forcing Slovenian guards to think twice before driving inside. His four recorded blocks were just a sample of the disruption he caused.
Slovenia’s star guard Luka Draganic, who had scored 22 points in their opening match, was held to just 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting. Every time Draganic penetrated the lane, Rioux was there to force an awkward floater, rushed layup, or a kick-out pass.
“He’s like a skyscraper that moves,” said Slovenia’s head coach, Gregor Novak. “You just don’t face that kind of interior defense in U19 basketball.”
Not Just Height — Skill Evolving Rapidly
For years, Olivier Rioux’s name has been synonymous with height — and understandably so. First thrust into the international spotlight at age 12 as the world’s tallest teen basketball player, skeptics questioned whether he would develop the skillset needed to match his size. Those doubts are now fading quickly.
His footwork in the post has improved significantly, as he displayed during multiple possessions where he spun off defenders or used soft fakes to get easy buckets. He also demonstrated growing court vision, assisting a cutting Elijah Fisher for a highlight-reel dunk that brought the Canadian bench to its feet.
“He’s becoming more than a big body — he’s becoming a smart basketball player,” said ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla. “That’s what NBA scouts are starting to take note of.”
Canada’s Balanced Attack
While Rioux grabbed headlines, Team Canada’s win was a product of overall balance and teamwork. Fisher added 18 points and 6 assists, while Ryan Nembhard, the younger brother of Indiana Pacers’ guard Andrew Nembhard, contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds from the backcourt.
Defensively, the Canadians were disciplined and focused, forcing 15 Slovenian turnovers and converting them into 21 fast break points. Their energy and pace in transition overwhelmed Slovenia’s slower half-court game.
“This was a statement win,” said Coach Tatham. “We showed that we’re not just a team with a giant in the middle. We’re cohesive, talented, and hungry.”
Looking Ahead
With this win, Canada moves to 2–0 in Group C, setting up a marquee matchup against Turkey in Game 3. A victory there would all but secure the top spot in the group and likely give Canada a more favorable draw in the knockout stages.
As for Rioux, the spotlight will only intensify. Scouts from multiple NBA teams were in the building, and their eyes were fixed on his every move. His continued development will be a key storyline throughout the tournament — not just for Canadian basketball fans, but for the global hoops community.
“It’s still about taking things one step at a time,” Rioux said humbly in the postgame interview. “I’m proud of how the team played. I just want to help however I can.”
A Growing Legacy
Olivier Rioux’s journey has been anything but typical. From going viral on social media as a 12-year-old standing over six feet tall, to now becoming a legitimate contributor on the world stage, he represents a rare combination of nature and nurture. The world may have first noticed him for his height, but they’re beginning to respect him for his heart and hustle.
“He’s writing his own story,” said Coach Tatham. “And tonight was a big chapter.”
As Canada continues its march through the FIBA U19 World Cup, the towering presence of Olivier Rioux may well be the foundation upon which championship dreams are built. And if he keeps performing like this, those dreams might just come true.
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