The Florida Gators are national champs, which meant their 7'9" freshman center Olivier Rioux got to do his famous net-cutting trick one last time.
Through each step of the Florida's title run, Rioux cut the net with his feet on the ground with no need to use the ladder standing beside him. He did so after Florida won the SEC tournament, then again once they made the Final Four in San Antonio. On Monday night, the third time was the charm as the Gators outlasted the Houston Cougars 65-63 in a thriller to win the national title.
Although Rioux is redshirting and didn't step on the floor during the game, he got to turn heads during the postgame celebration once more:
Olivier Rioux didn't need a ladder to help take down the nets 🫡 pic.twitter.com/JOSQvOmLVI
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 8, 2025
The Canadian big man went to IMG Academy and was the 61st-ranked center on 247Sports as a high school senior. He has yet to make his college debut, but when he does, he'll be sure to turn heads with his play on the court. In the meantime, his net-cutting spectacle will do.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Florida's 7'9" Center Olivier Rioux Cut Down Net Without a Ladder One Last Time.
