Olivier Rioux: The History-Making Height of College Basketball
Olivier Rioux, a 19-year-old Canadian redshirt freshman, has officially become the tallest player ever in US college basketball, standing at 7 feet, 9 inches (2.4m). Rioux's debut for the Florida Gators against North Florida was not just a game; it was a historic moment celebrated by teammates, coaches, and fans alike. This article delves into Rioux's background, his journey to college basketball, and the impact he's already making.
A Debut to Remember
On November 8, fans erupted in cheers as Olivier Rioux checked into the game against North Florida. Florida coach Todd Golden, yielding to the persistent chants of "We Want Ollie," sent Rioux into the game with 2:09 left on the clock. The O'Connell Center crowd roared as Rioux, the world's tallest teenager, stepped onto the court, making history as the tallest person ever to play college basketball.
Despite not touching the ball during his debut, Rioux's presence alone drew significant attention from the Ospreys. "It felt great," Rioux said, expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the bench and the fans. When asked about making history, he humbly quipped, "It's another day, I guess."
Even North Florida forward Trey Cady couldn't help but smirk as he measured himself against Rioux, giving up more than a foot in the matchup. Golden noted the enthusiasm surrounding Rioux's appearance, stating, "There's people yelling at me at halftime about playing him. I'm like, 'Listen, it will happen. The time will come.'"
The Making of a Giant
Olivier Rioux was born on February 2, 2006, in Terrebonne, Canada. His parents, Jean-François, a 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) photographer and former volleyball player, and Anne Gariépy, who is 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and works at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), have undoubtedly contributed to his extraordinary height. Rioux's height has been a topic of interest since his early teens.
Read also: Anthony Robles: Overcoming Obstacles
Rioux's unique stature has also brought challenges. He told Guinness in 2022, "We’re still not 100 per cent sure why I’m so tall." He also mentioned the constant attention he receives in public: “You don’t have a single three seconds to yourself when you’re outside, which I was fine with because my brother and my dad are tall. And, as a family, we used to go out."
From Viral Sensation to College Player
Rioux's journey to college basketball has been marked by viral moments and considerable attention. Even before his official debut, he was a "walking viral video," known for riding his bike on campus and ducking under doorways. During Florida's NCAA tournament run, he was seen cutting down nets while standing flat-footed.
Golden acknowledged Rioux's dedication and positive attitude despite limited playing time, stating, "He's put in a lot of great work. To his credit, he's kept a great attitude without getting a lot of reward in terms of playing time and opportunity."
Rioux chose to redshirt last season, focusing on improving his game. This decision underscored his commitment to long-term development and his desire to contribute meaningfully to the team.
A Team Player
Despite the anticipation surrounding his debut, Rioux remains focused on his role within the team. Golden had made it clear that Rioux would primarily play in blowout games, given the return of all four frontcourt players. Rioux embraced the challenge of competing against Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu, and Micah Handlogten in practice.
Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile
Golden emphasized the importance of a strong start to games, stating, "I talked to the guys at halftime when we're up 24, and I expressed to them the importance of getting off to a really good start so we can get some of the younger guys and some of the guys from down on the bench an opportunity to play and to get some rip. Obviously the game was in our control and thought it would be a good opportunity to get him out there and get his first college experience, and I think he was pretty excited. It was pretty neat for him to finally see the floor."
Teammate Micah Handlogten shared his encouragement to Rioux before he checked into the game: "Play with confidence. You've worked your butt off for two years now to get to this spot. Now's your moment."
International Experience
Before joining the Florida Gators, Rioux represented Canada on the international stage.
- 2021 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship (Mexico): Rioux helped Canada win bronze, averaging 8.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
- 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup (Spain): Rioux continued to develop his skills on the global stage.
- 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup (Hungary): He averaged 3.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
- 2024 FIBA Under-18 AmeriCup (Argentina): Rioux secured his second bronze medal at the youth level.
Comparisons and Recognition
Rioux's height has inevitably drawn comparisons to other exceptionally tall basketball players. He is taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol by 2 inches, and taller than Yao Ming, Tacko Fall, and Shawn Bradley by 3 inches.
His height earned him a place in Guinness World Records, solidifying his status as the world's tallest teenager. Former NBA champion and fellow Canadian Jamal Murray once requested a photo with Rioux when he first met him at age 12.
Read also: The Return of College Football Gaming
tags: #ncaa #tallest #player #height
