Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 center for the Florida Gators, made headlines on December 17, 2025, by scoring his first collegiate field goal—a dunk that set a new record for the tallest player ever to score in NCAA basketball. The historic moment happened during Florida’s dominant 102-61 win over Saint Francis at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Fans in attendance roared as Rioux converted a bounce pass into a thunderous dunk, becoming a viral sensation across sports media.
Who is Olivier Rioux
Olivier Rioux is a Canadian basketball player who currently plays as a center for the Florida Gators men's basketball team. Standing at an incredible 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters), he is recognized as the tallest player in NCAA basketball history. Rioux was born in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada, and attended IMG Academy in Florida before joining the Gators.​
Rioux is not only known for his height but also for his international experience. He has represented Canada in several FIBA youth tournaments, including the U16, U17, U18, and U19 World Cups, helping Canada win a bronze medal at the 2023 U18 FIBA AmeriCup. He is also a Guinness World Record holder for being the tallest teenager.
Olivier Rioux’s Historic Dunk
With just over a minute left in the game, the crowd chanted “We want Oli,” and the Gators’ coaching staff finally gave Rioux his chance. On Florida’s second-to-last offensive possession, CJ Ingram passed to Rioux, who finished with a powerful dunk that sent the bench and fans into a frenzy. This moment marked the first made field goal of Rioux’s college career and solidified his place in basketball history as the tallest player to ever score in a college game.​
Rioux’s journey to this point has been one of patience and development. After choosing to redshirt last season due to the depth in Florida’s frontcourt, he has seen limited playing time this year, mostly behind established players like Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu. But this game showed the excitement Rioux could bring to the Gators’ future.
Florida Gators Dominate Saint Francis
Florida’s victory over Saint Francis was never in doubt. The Gators shot 61% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc, with 12 players scoring and six finishing in double figures. Xaivian Lee led the team with 18 points, while Alex Condon added 14 points and Rueben Chinyelu recorded a double-double with 12 points and rebounds. The balanced attack overwhelmed Saint Francis, who struggled throughout the game.
What’s Next for Olivier Rioux?
Coach Todd Golden praised Rioux’s performance, noting his pace and aggressiveness in limited minutes. While Rioux’s role remains small for now, his historic dunk has raised expectations for his future contributions. As the Gators prepare for their next game against Colgate, fans will be watching closely to see if Rioux gets more opportunities to shine.​
Olivier Rioux lumbered through the lane, caught a bounce pass from teammate CJ Ingram and dunked, sending Florida’s bench and the home crowd into a frenzy. https://t.co/WHKciNHTue
— FraserValleyToday.ca (@chwknews) December 18, 2025
Olivier Rioux’s Impact on NCAA Basketball
Rioux’s achievement is not just a personal milestone—it’s a moment that highlights the evolving diversity and talent in college basketball. His presence on the court brings a unique dynamic and inspires young athletes around the world. As the tallest player in NCAA history to score, Rioux’s story is one of perseverance and potential.
