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Florida’s 7-Foot-9 Olivier Rioux Scores in NCAA Tournament Debut

Despite his size, the redshirt freshman has played only sparingly this season.

Overview

  • Rioux checked in late in No. 1 Florida’s 114-55 first-round win over Prairie View A&M and finished with a put-back dunk, two rebounds and an assist.
  • He became the tallest player ever to appear in an NCAA Tournament game, and his basket made him the tallest to score in the event.
  • A courtside clip of Prairie View A&M’s 6-8 Hassane Diallo looking up at Rioux drew wide attention as fans chanted “We want Ollie.”
  • Before Friday, Rioux had logged 14 total minutes across 10 appearances this season, reflecting Florida’s deep frontcourt and his ongoing development.
  • Coach Todd Golden has said opportunities are limited for now, and Florida next faces Iowa on Sunday with Rioux’s role remaining uncertain.