Olivier Rioux previously set a Guinness World Records title as the world’s tallest teenager at age 16, standing 7 feet 7 inches tall.
On March 20, Olivier Rioux added another milestone to his growing list of achievements when he stepped onto the court during Florida’s 2026 NCAA Tournament opener against Prairie View A&M.
The Tampa crowd erupted with excitement when Florida head coach Todd Golden finally gave Rioux the signal to enter the game with 1:54 remaining, after fans had been chanting, “We want Ollie!” throughout the match.
With the Gators already leading by 62 points, the redshirt freshman made history by becoming the tallest player ever to appear in an NCAA Tournament game. He marked the moment in style, throwing down a two-handed dunk to score his first points of the tournament.
Rioux finished the game with two points, two rebounds, and one assist as Florida secured a dominant 114–55 victory over Prairie View A&M.
Who is Olivier Rioux?
Hailing from Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada, Rioux made his debut with the Gators last season and continues to make headlines for his remarkable height and achievements.
He previously earned a spot in the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest teenager at age 16, standing 7 feet 7 inches tall.
With his latest accomplishment, Rioux’s list of historic “firsts” continues to grow.
Olivier Rioux stands at 7 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 305 pounds.
Earlier this season, he earned recognition as the tallest player ever to compete at either the amateur or professional level.
The Florida big man has appeared in 11 games so far, including six Southeastern Conference matchups.
Olivier Rioux became the tallest player ever to score a point on December 17 last year, when he converted a free throw against Merrimack.
Despite his team’s loss to Florida’s top-ranked side in the NCAA Tournament on March 20, he drew attention for being the tallest player in college basketball.
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