Florida Gators’ Olivier Rioux ranks at all-time high for college basketball – NBC 6 South Florida

The Florida Gators men’s basketball team is making a huge addition to its roster. Literal.

Canadian center Olivier Rioux is part of the Gators’ incoming freshman class for the 2024-2025 season as the preferred walk-on, and the team’s official website lists his height at a staggering height. 7-foot-9.

Rioux owns the Guinness World Record for the tallest living teenager. He was 6 feet tall at age 8, grew to 6 feet tall by sixth grade and reached the 7-foot mark before starting seventh grade. He was confirmed as the tallest teenager in the world at the age of 15, when he stood over 6 feet tall.

The now 18-year-old Rioux apparently reached a height of 7-foot-4 upon joining the Gators, and that eye-popping measurement, if accurate, sets him up to make college basketball history this upcoming season:

Who is the tallest college basketball player ever?

The six-foot-tall Paul Sturgess, who played at Florida Tech and Mountain State, currently holds the record for the tallest college hoops player ever, according to research by FOX Sports. After his final college season in 2010-11, Sturgess had stints in the NBA’s developmental league, the British Basketball League and with the Harlem Globetrotters.

The record for tallest Division I basketball player of all time is shared by Kenny George and Mike Lanier, who were both 6-foot-1, according to ESPN. George played at UNC Asheville from 2006 to 2008, while Lanier suited up for UCLA from 1991 to 1993.

How tall is Olivier Rioux?

Rioux would become the tallest college basketball player ever at the Gators’ 7-9 height.

How much does Olivier Rioux weigh?

According to the Gators, Rioux weighs 290 pounds.

What is Olivier Rioux’s age?

Rioux is 18 years old.

How tall are Olivier Rioux’s parents?

Rioux’s record high certainly does not come out of nowhere. He told Guinness World Records that his father is 6 feet tall and his mother is 6 feet tall.

Where does Olivier Rioux come from?

Rioux was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Where did Olivier Rioux go to high school?

Rioux attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He has also made several FIBA ​​appearances with the Canadian national team.

What is Olivier Rioux’s recruiting position?

Rioux may have more to develop before he gets the floor consistently in Florida. According to the 247Sports Composite, he is a three-star prospect ranked as the No. 305 overall recruit and the No. 53 center in the class of 2024.

Which schools recruited Olivier Rioux?

In addition to the Gators, Rioux also received offers from Florida Atlantic and Stetson, according to 247Sports. He committed to Florida as the preferred walk-on in November.

Highlights of Olivier Rioux

Here are some highlights of Rioux: