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Florida Basketball Officially List Olivier Rioux’s Height at 7’9”

The Florida Gators have officially listed their new recruit, Olivier Rioux, at 7 feet 9 inches.

By Travis Robinson

IMG Blue's Olivier Rioux, tallest teenager and high school basketball player in the world, watches as his team warms up for their game against Keystone in the Governors Challenge at Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Bkh Img Academy Blue Keystone Athletic Academy Governors Challenge
IMG Blue's Olivier Rioux, tallest teenager and high school basketball player in the world, watches as his team warms up for their game against Keystone in the Governors Challenge at Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Bkh Img Academy Blue Keystone Athletic Academy Governors Challenge / Lauren Roberts/Salisbury Daily Times / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Florida Gators have just updated their team website to reflect the official height of their new commit, Olivier Rioux. The Canadian-born basketball phenom, who previously held the Guinness World Record for being the tallest teenager, is now listed at an astonishing 7 feet 9 inches tall as he prepares to make his collegiate debut under head coach Todd Golden.

Rioux, who garnered attention globally due to his extraordinary height, has been on the basketball radar for years. At just 15 years old, he measured 7 feet 5 inches, earning him the Guinness World Record in 2021. Since then, Rioux has continued to grow, reaching a height that has rarely been seen in professional or college basketball. His incredible stature is likely to provide a significant advantage on the court where his sheer presence could be a game-changer for the Gators.

Standing just shy of 8 feet tall, Rioux's height is not just a physical trait but a potential asset that could translate into immediate contributions on the court. His height, combined with his international experience representing Canada in several FIBA tournaments, positions him as a unique player who could have a profound impact on both ends of the floor.

Rioux’s stats from his recent international play offer a glimpse of his potential. In the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, Rioux averaged 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 52.9% from the field. Though these numbers might not be eye-popping, they do reflect his ability to contribute effectively in limited minutes. His 10-point performance against Venezuela and nine rebounds against Puerto Rico highlight his potential to dominate the paint, particularly as he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the college game.

While he is considered a raw talent who will require time to fully develop his skills, the move to the college level is expected to be a crucial step in his maturation as a player. The Gators' coaching staff will undoubtedly focus on harnessing his physical advantages while refining his technique and conditioning to ensure that Rioux can maximize his potential.

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