Olivier Rioux Florida Gators Becomes Tallest March Madness Player Ever

Florida Gators' Olivier Rioux is now the tallest player in March Madness history at 7-foot-9! That's much taller than the average player.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Florida Gator's 7-foot-9 Center Sets New Tournament Height Standard

Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 center for the Florida Gators, has officially become the tallest player to ever participate in a March Madness game. This unprecedented height made its tournament debut during Florida's dominant victory over Prairie View A&M. Rioux, a native of Quebec, Canada, entered the game in its later stages, drawing significant crowd reaction and a chant for him to receive the ball.

"It feels amazing," Rioux stated in comments to The Athletic, reflecting on the record-setting achievement.

Rioux, who spent last season watching from the bench during Florida's championship run, saw his opportunity on Friday evening. His presence alone presented a stark visual contrast, notably dwarfing a 6-foot-8 opponent, Diallo, who was observed interacting with the Canadian phenom. The 16-inch difference between Rioux and Elijah Mitchell, a guard for an opposing team, further underscored his singular stature.

Head coach Todd Golden acknowledged the fans' energy, granting their wish for Rioux to enter the contest amidst loud cheers. Rioux managed to contribute two points with a put-back dunk, punctuating the Gators' substantial win.

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This March Madness appearance builds on Rioux's earlier collegiate milestones. He previously established himself as the tallest player ever to compete in a college basketball game during his first collegiate appearance on November 6th. He then became the tallest player to score in a college game on November 21st. His familial background also hints at his imposing frame, with Rioux noting his family's generally tall stature.

Rioux and the Gators are slated to face the Iowa Hawkeyes next. The significance of his height extends beyond mere statistics, with Rioux suggesting that his size presents unique challenges, stating, "They even challenge me more because of my size." His debut in the NCAA Tournament is a continuation of his impact, following a moment after Florida's national championship win where he cut a piece of the net without the aid of a ladder.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Olivier Rioux and what record did he break?
Olivier Rioux is a 7-foot-9 center for the Florida Gators. He became the tallest player to ever play in a March Madness game during their win against Prairie View A&M.
Q: When did Olivier Rioux set the March Madness height record?
Rioux entered the March Madness game on Friday evening, setting the new height record. He previously set records for tallest college player and tallest scorer in college basketball.
Q: How did Olivier Rioux's height affect his first March Madness game?
His height was a major talking point, with fans cheering for him to get the ball. He scored two points with a put-back dunk, contributing to the Gators' big win.
Q: What does Olivier Rioux say about his height and playing basketball?
Rioux feels it's amazing to set the record. He also mentioned that his size presents unique challenges and makes opponents challenge him more.
Q: Who will Olivier Rioux and the Florida Gators play next?
Olivier Rioux and the Florida Gators are scheduled to play against the Iowa Hawkeyes in their next game.