TAMPA, Fla. - With just over eight minutes left in Florida's commanding 114-55 victory over Prairie View A&M, Gators fans had their sights set on a different kind of history. The chants echoed through the arena, calling for their towering favorite: "We want Ol-lie!"
Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 sensation, had spent most of the game on the bench, but the crowd's persistence paid off. With 1:54 remaining, Rioux stepped onto the court, instantly making NCAA Tournament history as the tallest player to ever participate. The Florida-heavy crowd erupted with one of the night's loudest cheers, celebrating not just a win, but a memorable moment in college basketball.
Rioux's impressive stature has turned heads both on and off the court. At just 16, he was recognized as the world's tallest teenager by Guinness World Records, standing at 7 feet 5 inches.
This season, he continued to break records, becoming the tallest player to participate in a college game, score, and make a field goal, with a memorable dunk against St. Francis.
Once on the court, the Gators wasted no time getting Rioux involved. He grabbed a rebound and delivered a powerful dunk, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Rioux took last season to redshirt, focusing on developing his skills and his 305-pound frame while the Gators clinched their third national championship. Even among a tall roster, with three starters standing 6 feet 9 or taller, Rioux is a standout. On the bench, he's visibly a head above the rest, and in team huddles, he towers eight inches over the next tallest player, 7-foot-1 senior Micah Handlogten.
Friday marked Rioux’s 11th appearance this season. In his previous outings, he logged 5 points and four rebounds over 14 minutes. As the Gators continue their journey, Rioux's presence adds a unique and exciting dimension to their lineup.