Canadian basketball prodigy Olivier Rioux has etched his name into the history books once again, this time by becoming the tallest player ever to score a field goal in NCAA history. The monumental moment came during the University of Florida Gators' decisive 102-61 victory over Saint Francis on Wednesday night.
A Giant Moment for a Giant Teenager
Hailing from Terrebonne, Quebec, the 7-foot-9 teenager is already recognized globally as the world's tallest male teen. With the game well in hand and the crowd chanting for his appearance, Gators coach Todd Golden sent Rioux onto the court with less than two minutes remaining. The fans' patience was rewarded with an instant piece of basketball lore.
After a near-turnover at half-court, a Florida guard secured the ball and found a teammate in the corner. That player immediately spotted Rioux rolling toward the basket and delivered a pass. With a 15-inch height advantage over the nearest defender, Rioux needed only a minimal leap to powerfully slam the ball through the hoop, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
From Guinness to the Hardwood
This historic basket is the latest in a series of records for the young Canadian. Just last month, Rioux was officially listed as the tallest player in NCAA basketball history, surpassing the previous record holder, Paul Sturgess, who stood just over 7-foot-7. Rioux also towers over legendary big men like Yao Ming (7-foot-6) and the 7-foot-7 duo of Manute Bol and Gheorge Muresan.
His unique stature first gained international recognition in 2022, when he was entered into the Guinness World Records as the tallest living male teenager. Despite his limited playing time for the reigning national champion Gators, Rioux has cultivated a passionate fan following. Chants of "We want Ollie!" have become a common refrain during Florida's lopsided wins.
Patience and Development Pay Off
The game against Saint Francis marked only Rioux's third appearance of the season. He made his debut earlier against the University of North Florida and later saw action against Merrimack in November, where he scored his first collegiate point on a free throw and grabbed his first rebound.
According to the Associated Press, Rioux was presented with a choice last season: play very limited minutes or take a redshirt year to develop off the court while preserving a year of eligibility. He chose the latter, focusing on his physical and skill development. "It’s just mental and you just keep going and you just grind, I guess," Rioux said of the wait following his debut.
While meaningful minutes may still be ahead of him, Olivier Rioux's record-setting dunk on December 18, 2025, has already secured his place in basketball history and solidified his status as a unique and beloved figure in the sport.
