The Tallest of Them All: Meet Olivier Rioux, the Florida Gators’ Record-Breaking Recruit

As the Florida Gators men’s basketball team prepares for the 2024-25 season, they’re getting ready to welcome a player who’s making history before he’s even stepped onto the court. Canadian center Olivier Rioux, a preferred walk-on, is listed at a staggering 7-foot-9, making him the tallest college basketball player ever.

Rioux’s record height is making waves in the college basketball world.

Rioux’s incredible height didn’t come out of nowhere. His father stands at 6-foot-8, and his mother is 6-foot-2. It’s no wonder he was able to reach such incredible heights at a young age. By the time he was 8, he was already 6-foot-1, and by the sixth grade, he had sprouted to 6-foot-11. He was confirmed as the world’s tallest teenager at age 15 when he stood 7-foot-5-plus.

“I was always the tallest kid in my class, and I had to duck down to avoid hitting my head on the ceiling,” Rioux said in an interview with Guinness World Records.

Rioux’s record height is not only impressive, but it’s also making him a standout in the college basketball world. The current record for the tallest Division I basketball player is shared by Kenny George and Mike Lanier, both of whom stood 7-foot-7. Rioux is set to shatter that record this upcoming season.

Rioux’s height is giving him a unique advantage on the court.

Rioux may be a three-star prospect, ranked as the No. 305 overall recruit and the No. 53 center in the 2024 class, according to the 247Sports Composite, but he’s got a lot to offer. He attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and has made several FIBA appearances with Canada’s national team.

As Rioux prepares to take the court with the Gators, he’s got a lot to prove. But with his record-breaking height and impressive skills, he’s sure to make a splash in the college basketball world.

Rioux’s experience with the Canadian national team is giving him an edge.

In addition to the Gators, Rioux also had offers from Florida Atlantic and Stetson. He committed to Florida as a preferred walk-on in November.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Rioux to see how he’ll perform on the court. One thing’s for sure: he’s going to be hard to miss.

Rioux is ready to make his mark on the college basketball world.