GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In an electrifying moment for college basketball, Olivier Rioux, the towering 7-foot-9 center, scored his first collegiate field goal, igniting the crowd during the Florida Gators’ dominant 102-61 victory over Saint Francis on Wednesday night. Rioux’s impressive dunk, following a pass from teammate CJ Ingram, sent the home crowd into a frenzy, marking a milestone in his debut season.
The Gators’ bench erupted as Rioux barely left his feet to execute the dunk, showcasing his remarkable height and reach. Gators coach Todd Golden praised the moment, stating, “Pretty special, man. The transition, his vertical. Woo. He was up there, man.” This play became the highlight of a game that saw Florida dominate every aspect against an overmatched opponent.
With just over six minutes remaining in the game, fans began chanting, “We want Ollie,” urging Golden to bring Rioux into the action. He finally entered the game at the 2-minute mark, receiving the loudest ovation of the night. Rioux made an immediate impact with a hard defensive foul followed by another impressive cut to the basket, drawing cheers from teammates and fans alike. “We were just going crazy,” said Gators guard Xaivian Lee, who led the team with 18 points.
Rioux, the tallest player in college basketball history, made his debut earlier this season in a 104-64 victory against North Florida but did not score. This latest game marked a pivotal moment in his career, illustrating his potential as a formidable presence on the court. Despite his limited playing time due to stamina concerns, Rioux’s physicality and skill make him a unique asset.
At just 19 years old and hailing from Canada, Rioux stands two inches taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol. His distinct stature has already made him a viral sensation, drawing attention for everything from riding his bike on campus to effortlessly ducking under doorways.
Golden emphasized the importance of Rioux’s development, giving him the option of playing limited minutes last season or taking a redshirt year to refine his skills. Rioux chose the latter, embracing the challenge of competing against seasoned players like Alex Condon, who contributed 14 points, and others on the Gators’ frontcourt.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Rioux continues to integrate into the team. His recent dunk not only signifies a personal achievement but also serves as a reminder of the excitement and hope surrounding Florida basketball this season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Rioux and the Gators as they aim for success in the NCAA tournament!
