UPDATE: In an electrifying moment last night, Olivier Rioux, the world’s tallest teenager at 7 feet 9 inches, recorded his first collegiate field goal with a stunning dunk during the Florida Gators‘ 102-61 victory over Saint Francis in Gainesville, Florida.
The crowd erupted as Rioux caught a bounce pass from teammate CJ Ingram and delivered a powerful dunk, barely leaving his feet. This pivotal moment sent Florida’s bench into a frenzy and marked a significant milestone for the young athlete.
Head coach Todd Golden expressed his excitement, stating, “Pretty special, man. The transition, his vertical. Woo. He was up there, man.” The game, which was otherwise a dominant performance against an overwhelmed opponent, turned into a celebration of Rioux’s achievement.
As the Gators controlled every aspect of the match, fans began chanting, “We want Ollie,” with just over six minutes remaining. Golden responded by putting Rioux on the court at the 2-minute mark, prompting the loudest ovation of the night. Rioux didn’t disappoint, making his presence felt with a strong defensive play followed by an impressive cut to the basket.
Florida guard Xaivian Lee, who led the team with 18 points, said, “We were just going crazy.” His teammate Alex Condon, who contributed 14 points, added humorously, “Good pass from CJ.”
Olivier Rioux has been making headlines since his debut earlier this season, becoming the tallest player in college basketball history. In his first game on November 2024, he did not touch the ball, but his impact was felt nonetheless. He scored his first points from a free throw just three games later, but this dunk marks a significant step in his development.
Although Golden has limited Rioux’s playing time to ensure he builds his stamina, the towering center continues to draw attention not only for his height but for his determination and skill. Standing 2 inches taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, and 3 inches taller than stars like Yao Ming and Tacko Fall, Rioux’s presence on the court is a spectacle.
Rioux, a 19-year-old redshirt freshman from Canada, chose to redshirt last season to enhance his game. Despite limited minutes, he has become a viral sensation, known for riding his bike on campus and ducking under door frames.
Going forward, fans can expect more of Rioux as he continues to develop alongside his teammates Thomas Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu, and Micah Handlogten. With high hopes for the rest of the season, his journey will be one to watch closely as Florida aims for a successful campaign.
Stay tuned for more updates on Rioux and the Gators as they continue their season.