Olivier Rioux Makes History as Tallest College Basketball Player to Score

Olivier Rioux, a towering 7-foot-9 center from Florida, has etched his name into the college basketball record books by becoming the tallest player ever to score in a college game. This landmark moment occurred during a commanding 102-61 victory over Saint Francis when Rioux recorded his first points with a dunk in the game’s final seconds.

A Moment of Glory

With just 42 seconds remaining, Rioux made his mark when Florida guard CJ Ingram set him up with a perfect bounce pass. Demonstrating impressive agility, Rioux avoided contact and executed a slam dunk, igniting a celebratory frenzy among the Florida crowd at the Stephen O. Connell Center.

Player Reactions

Florida guard Xaivian Lee expressed the excitement in the arena:

"We were just going crazy, ya’ll saw it."

The Historic Milestone

Rioux’s achievement goes beyond the mere act of scoring. At 7-foot-9, he surpasses the former collegiate record holder, Paul Sturgess, by an inch. His remarkable stature has already gained him recognition in the Guinness World Records, where he was named the tallest teenager in the world in 2022.

Journey to the Court

Despite not playing during last year’s championship run, Rioux remained focused on developing his skills. He experienced a brief debut last month in a game against Northern Florida, where he logged two minutes on the court.

Challenges Overcome

Reflecting on his journey, Rioux stated:

“It’s just mental and you just keep going and you just grind, I guess.”

This philosophy propelled him to seize his moment during Wednesday’s game, where he was given the opportunity to enter the court with 1:46 left on the clock.

Celebrating the Achievement

After Rioux’s historic dunk, the atmosphere became electric as Florida’s bench erupted in celebration. Players flexed in jubilation, and fans cheered wholeheartedly, demonstrating their support for the young athlete.

Coach Todd Golden’s Thoughts

Florida’s head coach Todd Golden lauded Rioux’s performance, stating:

“Pretty special, man, in transition, his vertical, woo, he was up there, man. Counted that thing.”

Upcoming Games and Future Prospects

The Gators are set to face two more non-conference opponents, Colgate and Dartmouth, before entering SEC play. These upcoming clashes may present Rioux with further chances to showcase his skills.

Conclusion

Regardless of how the rest of the season unfolds, Olivier Rioux can take pride in knowing that his dedication and perseverance have led to a defining moment in his basketball career. For updates on his journey and other college basketball news, you can explore resources like NCAA and ESPN.

For further details on college basketball and player profiles, refer to sources like NCAA and ESPN.