Olivier Rioux, a 7’9″ center for the Florida Gators, made history by becoming the tallest college basketball player to score a field goal. His remarkable achievement occurred during a game against Saint Francis, where Florida secured a 102-61 victory.
Historic Dunk by Olivier Rioux
During the match at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Rioux completed a two-handed dunk just before the final whistle. This moment marks a significant milestone in college basketball history, showcasing Rioux’s exceptional height and skill.
Previous Game Contributions
Earlier in the season, Rioux scored his first collegiate point with a free throw during Florida’s 80-46 win over Merrimack on November 21. His ability to contribute on the court is still developing, as he adjusts to collegiate competition.
Background and Recruitment
- Rioux is a 19-year-old player.
- He was rated as a 3-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class according to 247Sports.
- He received offers from several schools, including Florida, Florida Atlantic, and Stetson.
- Rioux eventually chose to join the Florida Gators.
Freshman Season and Team Dynamics
Opting to redshirt his freshman year due to the depth at the center position, Rioux has appeared in just three games this season. He faces stiff competition for the frontcourt rotation, particularly from established contributors like Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu.
Florida Gators’ Recent Performance
With their convincing win over Saint Francis, the Gators improved their season record to 7-4. This victory comes on the heels of two challenging losses against top teams, Duke and UConn. Florida is now on a winning streak, having secured two consecutive wins.
