TAMPA, Fla. — In a spectacular NCAA Tournament game, the Florida Gators crushed Prairie View A&M 114-55. But the crowd had something else on their minds. They chanted for one player: “We want Ol-lie!”
That player was Olivier Rioux. Standing at 7 feet 5 inches, he made history as the tallest player to ever play in the NCAA Tournament. With just under two minutes left, Rioux scored a put-back dunk, thrilling the fans who had been eagerly waiting for this moment.
“It feels amazing,” Rioux said, smiling.
At just 16, Rioux was already known as the tallest teenager in the world, according to Guinness World Records. This season alone, he has set multiple records, becoming the tallest player to participate in a college game, score, and even make a field goal. Before this game, he had logged 14 minutes on the court, scoring five points and grabbing four rebounds.
His size is impossible to ignore. Even among his tall teammates, he stands out. At the huddle, he’s quite literally head and shoulders above everyone else. The height difference was stark when he stood next to Panthers guard Elijah Mitchell, who is 6 feet tall.
But there’s more to Rioux than just height. Originally from Quebec, he moved to IMG Academy in Florida to refine his skills. Some former teammates were in the crowd, cheering him on. Ken Kirkley, a long-time Gators fan, noted, “He’s the underdog. It’s the embodiment of being a Gator.”
Rioux’s journey hasn’t been easy. Last season, he redshirted while working on his game and gaining muscle. When he first arrived in Gainesville, he could run the court in 12 seconds. Now, after dedicated practice, he’s cut that time down to 9 seconds.
His hard work has paid off, making him a tough matchup for teammates during practice. “He’s helped us improve in ways that go unnoticed,” said Rueben Chinyelu, a teammate. Chinyelu believes that Rioux and the other reserves deserve their moment in the spotlight after toiling behind the scenes.
As the crowd chanted for him, Rioux waved his arms, urging them on. When he removed his warm-up gear, the arena exploded in cheers. The pressure was palpable.
“It’s unbelievable,” said teammate Alex Condon. “He manages the pressure really well and knows when to take shots.”
Rioux missed his first two attempts but quickly redeemed himself. After snagging a rebound, he sprinted toward the basket. “I saw a wide-open dunk,” he recalled, and he slammed it home to the delight of the fans.
Although his final stats — two rebounds, one assist, and that memorable dunk — might not seem exceptional, they represent progress. After the dunk, Rioux hustled back on defense, showcasing his determination to be more than just a towering presence on the court.
“It’s very important,” he reflected. “I think I showed that today.”
Olivier Rioux’s story illustrates not only the excitement of sports but also the drive and hard work behind the scenes. Fans appreciate players who fight for their place, and Rioux proves that he is more than just the tallest player; he is carving out a role for himself in the world of college basketball.
For more on this remarkable journey, you can check out the full article on CBS Sports College Basketball.
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Florida Gators, Men's College Basketball
