Overview
- Rioux checked in with 1:54 left in No. 1 Florida’s 114-55 win over Prairie View A&M and put back a dunk, making him the tallest player to appear in and score during an NCAA Tournament game.
- Listed at 7-foot-9 and 305 pounds, the Canadian center is the tallest player on record in college basketball, surpassing the previous benchmark set by 7-foot-7 Manute Bol.
- A courtside clip of Prairie View A&M forward Hassane Diallo visibly sizing up Rioux went viral as fans in Tampa chanted for the Gator reserve to enter the game.
- Rioux redshirted during Florida’s 2024–25 title season and has played only in short stints this year, with coaches and reports praising his work ethic while noting ongoing development in mobility and skills.
- Florida advances to face No. 9 Iowa on Sunday at 7:10 p.m. ET, with Rioux’s usage to this point coming late in lopsided games.