Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 center for the Florida Gators, made history by scoring his first collegiate field goal with a dunk during a 102-61 victory over Saint Francis on Wednesday night. The world’s tallest teenager and the tallest player in college basketball barely left his feet to complete the play, sending the home crowd into a frenzy as he cemented his unique place in the sport.
The game at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville saw the 23rd-ranked Gators dominate from start to finish, building a 20-point lead early and never trailing against an overmatched Saint Francis team. With more than six minutes remaining, students began chanting “We want Ollie,” and coach Todd Golden inserted Rioux into the game with about two minutes left, drawing the loudest ovation of the night. Rioux quickly made an impact, committing a hard foul on defense before cutting to the basket on offense.
On the decisive play, Rioux lumbered through the lane, caught a bounce pass from teammate CJ Ingram, and dunked the ball without needing to jump significantly. At 7-foot-9, he stands 15 inches taller than any opponent on the court and is two inches taller than former NBA giants like Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol. The 19-year-old redshirt freshman from Canada had previously scored only a free throw in limited action this season, making this dunk his first field goal in college basketball.
Rioux’s journey to this moment included a redshirt season last year, where he worked on his game while becoming a viral sensation for activities like riding his bike on campus or ducking under doorways. Coach Golden emphasized that Rioux’s stamina limits him to short bursts of playing time, typically in blowout games, but his presence has been a constant attraction. “Pretty special, man,” Golden said after the game. “The transition, his vertical. Woo. He was up there, man.”
The Gators’ victory was spearheaded by Xaivian Lee with 18 points and Alex Condon with 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. Rueben Chinyelu added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Boogie Fland and Urban Klavzar each contributed 11 points. Florida, the defending national champions, improved to 7-4 on the season, with losses coming against top-five teams like Arizona, Duke, and UConn.
Saint Francis, ranked among the worst in Division I, fell to 2-10 and was led by Skylar Wicks’ 22 points. The Red Flash entered as 45.5-point underdogs and trailed by as many as 25 points in the first half, unable to challenge Florida’s offensive firepower. The game provided a respite for the Gators from one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the country, allowing Golden to give bench players extended minutes.
Rioux’s dunk not only marked a personal milestone but also highlighted his potential as a defensive and offensive force, even in limited roles. His height gives him an unprecedented advantage, and while he continues to develop his stamina and skills, moments like this showcase why he’s a record-breaking figure in college sports. The crowd’s reaction and his teammates’ celebrations underscored the novelty and excitement he brings to the court.
Looking ahead, Florida will host Colgate on Sunday, while Saint Francis faces Robert Morris on Saturday. For Rioux, this first field goal is a step toward more contributions, as he remains a key part of Florida’s depth and a symbol of the team’s unique roster. His story continues to captivate basketball fans, blending athletic achievement with extraordinary physical stature.
