UPDATE: In a stunning display of athleticism, Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 center for the Florida Gators, recorded his first collegiate field goal with a thunderous dunk during a dominating 102-61 victory against Saint Francis on November 1, 2024. The moment sent the home crowd in Gainesville, Florida, into a frenzy, showcasing why Rioux is the tallest teenager in the world and a fan favorite.
Rioux’s dunk came with just under two minutes remaining in the game, following a perfect bounce pass from teammate CJ Ingram. “Pretty special, man,” said Gators head coach Todd Golden. “The transition, his vertical. Woo. He was up there, man.” His impressive play was the highlight of an otherwise straightforward game against an overmatched opponent.
The Gators, ranked 23rd nationally, had dominated the match, leading to chants of “We want Ollie!” from the crowd as the game wound down. Rioux’s entrance drew the loudest ovation of the night, and he quickly made an impact with a defensive foul followed by a quick cut to the basket. “We were just going crazy,” said guard Xaivian Lee, who led the team with 18 points. Teammate Alex Condon added, “Good pass from CJ,” after enjoying a solid performance of his own.
Olivier Rioux, a 19-year-old redshirt freshman from Canada, made headlines earlier this season when he became the tallest player in college basketball history. His debut came in a 104-64 win over North Florida, where he was so heavily guarded that he didn’t even touch the ball. He later scored a free throw in his third game but this dunk marked a significant milestone in his career.
Despite his size, Rioux faces challenges with stamina, often only able to play for a few minutes at a time. Coach Golden has indicated that Rioux will primarily see action during blowouts, but the young center remains committed to improving his game, embracing the competition from his teammates.
Rioux’s journey in college basketball has been nothing short of remarkable. Already a viral sensation, he has captured attention for everything from his towering height—two inches taller than former NBA giants like Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol—to his ability to maneuver around campus while ducking under doorways and riding a bike. His presence is a constant reminder of both the challenges and the excitement that come with being a player of his stature.
As the Gators continue their season, fans and teammates alike are eager to see how Rioux will develop. With the team’s next game on the horizon, all eyes will be on this unique athlete who is redefining what it means to play basketball at such a towering height.
Stay tuned for more updates on Rioux’s journey and the Gators’ performance this season!
