7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux’s behind-the-backboard dunk is 100% not AI

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Olivier Rioux did not enjoy the individual success he aspired to have at Florida, but the 7-foot-9, 305-pound transfer has the opportunity to better utilize his elite size and strength at UC Irvine. He is off to a good start.

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Towering over the rest of the competitors, Rioux displayed a truly imposing presence during Tuesday night’s 92-66 victory over the visiting Chapman Panthers. One play early in the second half was especially awe-inspiring. Standing basically behind the backboard, the redshirt junior threw down a one-handed dunk that surely left his Division III opponent feeling powerless.

Rioux’s impact extended far beyond one ferocious jam. He finished with 13 points and a game-high 12 rebounds in just 18 minutes of action. The Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada native still has to prove he has the necessary endurance to prosper at this level, but he looks like a potential X-factor for UC Irvine.

The Anteaters are desperate for a boost. Rioux is hoping to lift them to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since their historic 2018-19 campaign, which saw the program stun No. 4 seed Kansas State in the first round. Perhaps a dominant force in the low post, even in a limited capacity, can help UC Irvine basketball end its March Madness drought.

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Olivier Rioux logged less than 20 minutes for the Gators entering his Anteaters debut. He is shaking off the rust quite nicely. It will be interesting to see if head coach Russ Turner ever decides to fully unleash his center this season, or if small bursts of power are more the norm.

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UC Irvine collides with San Jose State on Saturday.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/7-foot-9-olivier-rioux-082435683.html

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Publish date : 2026-11-04 08:24:00

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