7-Foot-9 College Player Gets March Madness Moment
Florida's Olivier Rioux, the tallest college basketball player ever at 7-foot-9, scored his first NCAA tournament points with a thunderous dunk that sent fans into a frenzy. The 20-year-old has become a beloved fan favorite despite limited playing time this season.
When Florida fans chant your name loud enough, even the biggest underdog gets their shining moment.
Olivier Rioux checked into Friday's NCAA tournament game with two minutes left, and the crowd at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa erupted. At 7-foot-9, Rioux is the tallest college basketball player in history, and fans had been waiting all season for moments like this.
The Gators were already demolishing Prairie View A&M 114-55 when coach Todd Golden sent Rioux onto the court. A viral moment captured Prairie View's Hassane Diallo, who stands 6-foot-8, sizing up the towering freshman as he entered the game. The height difference of more than a foot made even the tall forward look small.
Rioux didn't disappoint his cheering section. He slammed home a putback dunk for his first career NCAA tournament points, and the arena shook with "Oli! Oli!" chants from delirious Gator fans.
The 20-year-old has seen limited action this season as he continues developing his game. But whenever Florida builds a big lead late in games, the student section knows what to do. They chant Rioux's name at Golden until the coach sends in their gentle giant.
Sunny's Take
There's something pure about sports fans falling in love with a player not because he's the star, but because he represents possibility. Rioux could have been bitter about limited minutes on a defending championship team. Instead, he's embraced his role and won over an entire fanbase with his attitude and effort.
His teammates celebrate his dunks like championship-winning shots. Coaches trust him enough to put him in during tournament games. And thousands of fans treat his two-minute appearances like the main event.
Florida's 59-point victory was the second-largest margin in NCAA tournament history, but fans will remember the moment their 7-foot-9 center threw down a dunk and made everyone believe in the power of patience and opportunity.
The Gators face Iowa on Sunday, and you can bet Florida fans will be chanting for one more Olivier Rioux moment.
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Based on reporting by Fox News Sports
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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