The 7’9” Giant: 5 Shocking Facts About Olivier Rioux, The Tallest UF Basketball Player Ever

The University of Florida (UF) men's basketball team currently features a player who is not just tall, but historically gigantic. As of late 2025, the most talked-about "UF tall basketball player" is unequivocally Olivier Rioux, a Canadian center who has shattered the record for the tallest player in NCAA Division I history. His unprecedented 7-foot-9-inch frame makes him a must-see spectacle and a unique project for the Florida Gators program.

This article dives deep into the biography, career, and stunning records of Olivier Rioux, providing the most recent and relevant information on the player who is redefining what "tall" means in college basketball. His presence on the court, even in limited minutes, draws global attention and positions the Gators in the international spotlight.

Olivier Rioux: Complete Player Biography and Profile

Olivier Rioux is a Canadian college basketball player who has become an international sensation due to his extraordinary height. His journey from Quebec to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has been marked by record-breaking growth and immense potential.

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• Full Name: Olivier Rioux
• Nationality: Canadian
• Hometown: Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada
• Date of Birth: February 2, 2006
• Age: 19 years old (as of late 2025)
• Height: 7 feet, 9 inches (7'9" or 236 cm)
• Weight: 305 lbs (138 kg)
• Position: Center
• College: University of Florida (Florida Gators)
• High School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
• College Class: Freshman (as of the recent roster updates)
• SEC Affiliation: Southeastern Conference

The Record-Breaking Height: Tallest Player in College Basketball History

Olivier Rioux's most defining characteristic is his size, which has earned him multiple historical accolades before his collegiate career even fully took off. His 7-foot-9-inch height is not just a statistical anomaly; it is a world record.

Guinness World Records Recognition

Rioux first gained global recognition as "The World's Tallest Teenager" according to the Guinness Book of World Records. This title brought early fame and massive pressure to his burgeoning basketball career. His height has been a central focus since his early teenage years, setting him on a path that few athletes have ever traveled.

NCAA Division I History Made

Upon joining the Florida Gators, Rioux officially became the tallest player in US college basketball history. This record has generated significant buzz around the Florida program and the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The previous record holders for tallest NCAA players are now relegated to second place, highlighting Rioux’s unique standing in the sport.

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His debut on the court was a significant moment in college basketball, and he became the tallest player ever to score a point in NCAA history during his freshman season. While his minutes are currently limited as he develops his game and stamina, his sheer presence is a game-changer, forcing opposing teams to adjust their offensive and defensive strategies.

The Florida Gators Project: Development and Impact

The decision by Rioux to commit to the Florida Gators was a major coup for the program, led by coach Todd Golden. Rioux joined the team as a preferred walk-on, demonstrating his commitment to the development process at a high-level SEC school. The Gators coaching staff views him as a long-term project with generational potential.

A Unique Skill Set and Physical Challenge

While his height is an undeniable advantage—allowing him to dunk without jumping and block shots with ease—it also presents unique developmental challenges. At 7'9" and 305 lbs, maintaining conditioning, agility, and footwork is paramount. The Gators' training regimen focuses on building his foundational strength and mobility to ensure his long-term health and effectiveness on the court.

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His size makes him a natural rim protector and a formidable presence in the paint. When he is on the floor, he dramatically alters the geometry of the game, creating space for teammates and deterring opponents from driving to the basket. This defensive gravity is a key entity in his value to the Florida Gators basketball team.

Future Outlook and LSI Keywords

The future of Olivier Rioux is one of the most intriguing storylines in college sports. His development will be closely watched by NBA scouts, who are always looking for players with elite, unique physical tools. While he is currently a project, his potential ceiling is immense. Key LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) terms related to his future include:

• NBA Draft Prospect: Will his development lead to a professional career?
• Canadian Basketball: He is a prominent figure representing Canadian talent on the global stage.
• Preferred Walk-On Success: His journey could inspire other non-scholarship players.
• SEC Center: His role as a dominant center in the competitive Southeastern Conference.
• Rim Protector: His primary defensive role and key contribution.

Comparing Rioux to Other Tall Basketball Legends

Rioux's 7'9" stature places him among the tallest athletes to ever play basketball, even when compared to NBA legends. He is taller than all but a handful of players in professional history, including the famous 7'7" Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol, and the 7'6" Yao Ming and Shawn Bradley. This comparison highlights just how rare and significant his height is in the landscape of elite basketball.

His presence at UF has drawn comparisons to other famously tall college players, but Rioux stands alone as the tallest in NCAA history. The attention he receives is a testament to the fascination the sports world has with athletes who push the boundaries of human physiology. He is not just a basketball player; he is a historical figure in the making.