The Florida Gators have added a towering presence to their future roster with the commitment of Olivier Rioux, a Montreal native who now stands at an astonishing 7’9″. Rioux, at just 18 years old, has extended his own Guinness World Record as the world’s tallest teenager, surpassing the heights of any player in NCAA or NBA history.
Olivier Rioux’s latest growth spurt cements his status as a unique figure in the world of basketball. His 7’9″ frame not only breaks the current NCAA record for height—previously held by former Florida Tech and Mountain State center Paul Sturgess, who was 7’8″—but also exceeds the tallest heights recorded in the NBA. The tallest NBA players to date, Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, both stood at 7’7″.
Rioux’s extraordinary height trajectory began early. According to the Florida Gators’ official website, he was 6’1″ by the age of eight and surpassed the seven-foot mark before starting the seventh grade. His recent growth, from 7’7″ to 7’9″ in just a few months, defies typical growth patterns for boys, who generally stop growing around age 16.
18-year-old Florida commit Olivier Rioux is now listed at 7’9” 👀
He was 7’5” when we filmed him 2 years ago.
7’6” last year (this video).
7’7” earlier this year.
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 19, 2024
Rioux’s basketball journey has seen him develop his skills at IMG Academy, a renowned sports academy known for producing NBA talent such as Anfernee Simons, Josh Green, and Michael Beasley. IMG Academy has also been a training ground for fellow Canadian Zach Edey, highlighting its strong track record in nurturing elite big men.
In addition to his high school achievements, Rioux has represented Canada on the international stage. At the U19 FIBA World Cup last year, he contributed 3.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in limited minutes, showcasing his potential against some of the best young players in the world.
Olivier Rioux’s commitment to the Florida Gators marks a significant addition to a program with a storied history. The Gators, who claimed back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007, are poised to benefit from Rioux’s rare physical attributes and international experience. As Rioux prepares to join the Gators, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his unique height and skill set will translate to the college game.
Standing at 7’9″, Rioux is not just a spectacle; he represents a strategic advantage for the Gators. His ability to alter shots, dominate rebounds, and provide a formidable presence in the paint will be crucial as Florida aims to return to its championship-winning form. With his commitment, Rioux not only brings unprecedented height to the Gators but also a world of potential waiting to be unleashed.
Olivier Rioux’s journey from a record-breaking teenager to a promising college basketball player is a story of remarkable growth and potential. As he prepares to take the next step in his basketball career with the Florida Gators, his height and talent promise to make a significant impact on the court and beyond.