Gators reveal official height for Olivier Rioux

Florida Gators commit Olivier Rioux is set to make the jump to college basketball next season, and the 7-footer recently received his official height from the program.

Rioux, born in Canada, was rated a three-star prospect by three major recruiting outlets after playing at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He committed to head coach Todd Golden in November 2023 over Florida Atlantic and Stetson.

The 18-year-old earned the distinction of world’s tallest teenager by Guinness World Records in 2021, measuring 7 feet, 5 inches at the age of 15. He has continued to grow and was listed by the Gators this week at 7 feet, 9 inches on the team website.

Florida’s incoming freshman, Olivier Rioux, is listed as 7-FOOT-9 😳

He’s the tallest player in college basketball history and holds a Guiness World Record as the tallest teenager ever 😨 pic.twitter.com/nupUnLy8eI

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) August 15, 2024

Rioux quickly grew to be 5 feet, 2 inches in fifth grade, and crossed the 7-foot mark before beginning seventh grade. He was 7 feet, 5 inches upon arriving at the IMG Academy and will begin his collegiate career just shy of 8 feet tall.

He has represented Canada at the junior level several times, most recently in the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup. He averaged 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on 52.9% shooting from the field in six appearances as Canada won the bronze medal.

Rioux is viewed as a raw player who will need time to develop his overall skill set and ability. The move to college should help prepare him for the next step in his development and maturation.