Florida's 7-9 center Olivier Rioux steals the show in NCAA Tournament blowout

Viral moment shows Rioux towering over Prairie View's Hassane Diallo, who is 6-8 himself.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:08pm

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Florida's 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux made headlines during the Gators' first-round NCAA Tournament blowout win over Prairie View A&M. Rioux, the tallest player in college basketball history, entered the game late and dunked effortlessly, creating a viral moment as he towered over Prairie View's 6-8 defender Hassane Diallo. The size difference between the two players was staggering, with Diallo appearing diminutive next to the massive Rioux.

Why it matters

Rioux's incredible height has made him a must-see attraction in college basketball, with fans tuning in just to catch glimpses of the 7-9 center. His viral moment against Prairie View showcased his sheer physical dominance and the challenges opponents face in trying to defend someone of his stature.

The details

Rioux, a redshirt freshman, is listed at 7-foot-9 on the Florida roster, making him the tallest player in college basketball history. His wingspan reportedly measures between 7-10 and 8 feet, allowing him to dunk with minimal vertical leap. In the first-round matchup against Prairie View, Rioux entered the game late and scored easily, creating a memorable moment as he towered over the 6-8 Diallo.

  • Rioux is in his second season at Florida after redshirting as a freshman.
  • He played 11 games during the 2025-26 regular season, averaging 1.5 minutes per contest.
  • Rioux's viral moment came during Florida's 59-point win over Prairie View in the 2026 NCAA Tournament first round on March 21.

The players

Olivier Rioux

A 7-foot-9 center for the Florida Gators, Rioux is the tallest player in college basketball history.

Hassane Diallo

A 6-foot-8 forward for Prairie View A&M who was dwarfed by Rioux's immense size in their NCAA Tournament matchup.

Todd Golden

The head coach of the Florida Gators, who called on Rioux to enter the game late in the blowout win over Prairie View.

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What they’re saying

“You big, boy.”

— Hassane Diallo, Prairie View A&M forward

What’s next

The Gators will face the winner of the matchup between the 8th and 9th seeds in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Olivier Rioux's incredible height and physical dominance have made him a must-see attraction in college basketball, with his viral moment against Prairie View showcasing the challenges opponents face in trying to defend someone of his stature.