Olivier Rioux is a Canadian college basketball player for the Florida Gators and holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager at 7 feet 9 inches.
Coming from a tall family, he began playing basketball at age five and gained recognition while playing for the French Phenoms.
Rioux played for IMG Academy before committing to Florida, where he is currently a freshman and redshirted for the 2024-25 season.
He has represented Canada in various FIBA tournaments, contributing to his team’s success.
In addition to basketball, Olivier enjoys drawing and is passionate about environmental issues, aiming for a professional basketball career while positively impacting his community.
Siblings
Olivier’s older brother, Émile, is also involved in basketball, which creates a shared passion within the family.
Growing up in a competitive environment with an older sibling can foster motivation and skill development
Career
Rioux’s college career began with a redshirt season for the 2024-25 academic year, meaning he will not participate in official games this season but will retain four years of eligibility to compete in future seasons.
Playing as a center for the Florida Gators, Rioux has drawn attention for his extraordinary height and potential on the court.
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Despite not yet playing in official games, he has impressed coaches during practice sessions.
Florida’s head coach, Todd Golden, has praised Rioux for his mobility and coordination, which are remarkable for someone of his size.
Known for his ability to dunk without jumping and his effective hook shot, Rioux is expected to become a key player for the team in the coming years.
Off the court, Rioux has embraced the challenges and attention that come with being the tallest player in college basketball.
From logistical issues like finding clothes that fit to managing fan attention, he handles his unique situation with confidence.
Having started basketball at age five, Rioux has also represented Canada in international competitions, including helping his team secure a bronze medal at the U18 FIBA AmeriCup.
While he has yet to officially begin his college basketball career on the court, Rioux’s potential and determination suggest he will make a significant impact when he does.
Accolades
Rioux has achieved several notable accolades in his basketball career, particularly representing Canada on the international stage.
He played a significant role in helping Canada secure a bronze medal at the 2023 U18 FIBA AmeriCup, where he averaged 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, including standout performances such as scoring 10 points against Venezuela.
In addition to his success at the U18 level, Rioux has participated in multiple FIBA events, including the 2024 U18 FIBA AmeriCup, the 2023 U19 World Cup, the 2022 U17 World Cup, and the 2021 U16 Americas Championship.
His performance at the 2021 U16 Americas Championship was particularly impressive, as he averaged 8.3 points and 10.3 rebounds over six games.
Rioux’s unique stature has also earned him recognition beyond traditional accolades; he holds the Guinness World Record for being the tallest teenager in the world at 7 feet 9 inches, a distinction that has made him a prominent figure in college basketball as he begins his career with the Florida Gators.
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