Interviewing Olivier Rioux, the Florida Gators’ 7-foot-9 center, can be approached in two ways: the hard way and the easy way. Standing next to Rioux, peering up at him, seems to be the hard way. Fox Sports and NBC college basketball broadcaster John Fanta experienced this firsthand during a recent encounter.
As Rioux redshirts this season, he and his Florida teammates find themselves in the media spotlight, gearing up to face Auburn in the NCAA Final Four semifinal on Saturday night. During a locker room interview, Fanta asked the towering center several questions, and shared a clip of their conversation on X, which quickly garnered attention.
I caught up with 7-foot-9 Florida big man Olivier Rioux! Here’s our conversation: pic.twitter.com/24DrUNSJU9
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 4, 2025
It’s clear that the camera operator had an intense workout panning between Fanta and Rioux. One has to wonder if Fanta might need a chiropractor after craning his neck so much!
10/10 opening pan from the camera operator🤣
— Christian Odjakjian (@OdjHoops) April 4, 2025
During the interview, some media members and fans found Rioux’s responses amusing. When Fanta asked him which three celebrities he would like to go out with—living or dead—Rioux simply replied, “Leonardo DiCaprio.”
This might be my new favorite video of all time 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/1UWVqN7My9
— Christian Odjakjian (@OdjHoops) April 4, 2025
For comparison, interviews with Rioux seated are much easier for everyone involved, including the cameraman. In a more relaxed setting, Rioux could share more about his journey toward the Gators, what he expects from the upcoming season, and why he believes UF will claim victory.
1v1 with #Florida 7’9 C Olivier Rioux and our @RLastellaReport on his journey to UF, his upcoming breakout year and why he believes UF is gonna win it all #Gators ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/UEjo9Fco6k
— Bleacher Brothers (@BleacherBrother) April 5, 2025
Fortunately for Fanta, a rising star in broadcasting, he typically engages in more standard eye-to-eye interviews at events like the Final Four. However, when it comes to Olivier Rioux, even top broadcasters like Fanta find themselves looking up—both literally and figuratively.
