7'9" Olivier Rioux Reacts to Setting Record as Tallest Player to Score in NCAA Tournament History

Florida center Olivier Rioux was thrilled to get a moment in the spotlight that resulted in a historic dunk during the Gators' 114-55 win over Prairie View A&M in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday night.

Rioux, who is listed at 7'9", became the tallest player ever to score in a tournament game when he dunked after grabbing an offensive rebound late in the game.

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"It feels amazing," Rioux said after the game about his historic moment.

The dunk came after Rioux also made history as the tallest player to ever appear in an NCAA tournament game when he checked in with 1:54 remaining in the second half after several minutes of the crowd chanting "We want Ollie" and erupting when head coach Todd Golden finally acquiesced.

A three-star recruit out of IMG Academy in 2024, Rioux redshirted during his freshman year with the Gators to continue his development and fill out his frame. He has appeared in 11 games so far this season, with Friday marking his first game with points since Feb. 1.

"It's very important," Rioux said about wanting to show he can be a contributor to the team. "I think I did that today."

Even though Rioux will likely only get into another game if the Gators are winning big, he got to have a great moment in the tournament with an entire arena of fans chanting his name.

Florida will look to keep its season going on Sunday when it takes on Iowa with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line.