A rare moment unfolded during Florida’s dominant 114–55 victory over Prairie View A&M when Olivier Rioux, the tallest player in college basketball history, took the court and instantly captured attention. Standing at an astonishing 7-foot-9, Rioux made even towering athletes appear small, including Prairie View A&M forward Hassane Diallo, who at 6-foot-8 looked significantly shorter by comparison.
Rioux, who recently turned 20 and was previously recognized as the world’s tallest teenager, has seen limited playing time this season as he continues to develop. Despite this, he has quickly become a fan favorite. Florida supporters regularly chant his name during blowouts, urging head coach Todd Golden to put him into games.
7-Foot-9 Olivier Rioux Stuns Crowd With First NCAA Tournament Dunk in Florida Blowout WinRioux’s Late Dunk Electrifies Crowd as Florida Cruises to Historic Tournament Victory
That moment came late in the matchup, sending the crowd into a frenzy. With just under two minutes remaining, Rioux entered the game to loud cheers. He delivered a highlight almost immediately, scoring his first career NCAA Tournament points with a powerful put-back dunk. The arena erupted with chants of “Oli! Oli!” as fans celebrated the memorable play.
The game itself was historic, as Florida’s 59-point margin of victory became the second-largest in NCAA Tournament history. Prairie View A&M struggled throughout, prompting head coach Byron Smith to jokingly remark during a broadcast interview that his team needed “help from the Lord” to slow Florida down.
Florida, the defending champions, advanced comfortably to the second round, where they are set to face Iowa. As anticipation builds, fans are eager for another chance to see Rioux take the court, hoping the towering center can deliver more unforgettable moments in the tournament.
