Giant Gator: Rioux Towers Over NCAA

0:00On March 21, Florida Gators basketball player Olivier Ryu made history as the tallest athlete ever to step onto an NCAA court. Standing 7 feet 9 inches tall, the 20-year-old from Quebec entered the game against Prairie View A&M on Friday, March 20, and helped his team cruise to a 114 to 55 victory. Earlier this season, Ryu shattered more records by becoming the tallest player to score and make a feel goal in college basketball. His massive height dwarfs his teammates. The next tallest gator is 7 feet 1 inch. Fans and teammates erupted in cheers after his put back dunk widened the lead. Ryu called the moment amazing, sharing that his family's genetics explained his stature. With his dad at 6 feet 8, mom at 6 feet 2, and, brother at 6 feet 9, he first grabbed headlines as the world's tallest teenager at 16, measuring 7 feet 5 inches back then. Every day challenges like ducking doorways and finding clothes come with the territory.

1:03The gators now gear up for their next matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the tournaments round of 32 on Sunday, March 22, where Ryu could tower over the competition once more.