The Florida Gators are making headlines with their latest recruit set to join the team in Gainesville – Canadian big man Olivier Rioux. At just 18 years old, Rioux stands tall at an impressive 7 feet, 9 inches, making him a towering presence on the basketball court.
While Rioux has yet to play college basketball, once he hits the court for the Gators, he will officially become the tallest college basketball player in history, surpassing the current record held by Paul Sturgess at 7 feet, 8 inches. Sturgess went on to become a Harlem Globetrotter after playing for Florida Tech and Mountain State.
Rioux’s height has been a topic of conversation since he was a teenager, holding the Guinness World Record for the tallest teenager at 7 feet, 5 inches when he was just 15 years old. His rapid growth over the years has been nothing short of remarkable, with Rioux reaching 7 feet tall before entering seventh grade.
Aside from his impressive height, Rioux is also making a name for himself on the court. As a three-star prospect at IMG Academy, he has proven himself to be a valuable player, helping lead Canada to a bronze medal at the U18 FIBA AmeriCup in 2023. With an average of 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, Rioux has shown that he has the skills to back up his towering presence.
Off the court, Rioux’s family background sheds some light on his genetics. With a 6-foot-9 brother, a 6-foot-8 father, and a 6-foot-1 mother, it’s clear that height runs in the family. Rioux even jokes about his size 20 shoe on his Instagram bio, showcasing his larger-than-life stature.
As the Florida Gators gear up for the upcoming season, fans are eager to see how Rioux will impact the team and potentially lead them back to NCAA Tournament success. With his height, skills, and determination, Rioux is poised to make a significant mark on college basketball history as the tallest player to ever hit the court.
