Few figures in college basketball command attention quite like Olivier Rioux. Standing at a staggering 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters), the University of Florida center is not only the tallest player in college basketball history but also a former Guinness World Record holder for the tallest teenager. His journey from a rapidly growing child in Quebec to a redshirt freshman on a national championship team has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the sport.
How Tall Is Olivier Rioux?
Height: 7’9″ (2.36 m) with shoes, though conflicting figures exist from different measurement contexts.
Current Team: Florida Gators (redshirt freshman center for the 2025-26 season).
World Record: Tallest teenager (male) per Guinness World Records.
Age: 20 years old (born February 2, 2006).
- His height is a subject of multiple conflicting official numbers due to different measurement contexts (with/without shoes, age at record, team roster).
- He is currently a redshirt freshman at the University of Florida, having previously committed to UC Irvine.
- Despite his extreme height, his college basketball statistics are minimal, indicating he remains a developmental project.
- Rioux holds a Guinness World Record for tallest teenager, but his height has increased since the record was set.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olivier Rioux |
| Birthdate | February 2, 2006 |
| Age | 20 (as of 2025) |
| Height (with shoes) | 7’9″ (2.36 m) |
| Height (Guinness record) | 7’5.33″ (226.9 cm) |
| Weight | 305 lbs (138 kg) |
| Shoe Size | 20 US |
| Current Team | Florida Gators (NCAA) |
| Position | Center |
| Class | Redshirt Freshman |
| Hometown | Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada |
| High School | IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) |
| World Record | Tallest teenager (male) – Guinness World Records |
What Are Olivier Rioux’s Basketball Stats and Career?
Rioux made his collegiate debut on November 6, 2024, against North Florida, instantly becoming the tallest player ever to appear in a college basketball game. The Florida Gators official roster lists him at 7’9″ and 305 pounds, and he entered the program as a redshirt freshman for the 2024–25 season.
Career Highlights at Florida
His first career points came on November 21, 2024, against Merrimack, when he converted a free throw and grabbed a rebound. On December 17, 2024, he recorded his first field goal with a dunk against St. Francis. Rioux made history again in March 2026, becoming the tallest player ever to appear in an NCAA Tournament game, scoring a put-back dunk in just 1:54 of playing time. He was also part of the Florida Gators national championship team in 2025.
Statistical Snapshot
As of early 2026, Rioux had accumulated 5 points and 4 rebounds in 14 total minutes across his appearances before the NCAA Tournament. Detailed season averages, including points per game, rebounds, and blocks, are not widely published, as he remains a developing player with limited court time.
Rioux averaged approximately 0.6 points and 0.6 rebounds in limited minutes during the 2025-26 season, according to ESPN stats. His extreme height presents both opportunities and challenges, and the Gators are taking a patient approach to his development.
What Records Does Olivier Rioux Hold?
Rioux holds several significant records in basketball history. He is the tallest recorded college basketball player ever, surpassing previous giants. He also holds the distinction of being the tallest player to ever appear in an NCAA Tournament game.
Guinness World Record
In 2021, at age 15, Rioux was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest teenager in the world, measuring 7 feet 5.33 inches (226.9 cm). This record was set several years before his current listed height, and his growth has continued since then.
Full List of Records
- Tallest player in college basketball history (debut Nov 6, 2024)
- Tallest player to score in a college basketball game (Nov 21, 2024)
- Tallest player to make a field goal in college basketball (Dec 17, 2024)
- Tallest player in NCAA Tournament history (March 2026)
- Tallest teenager in the world (Guinness World Records, 2021)
Who Is Olivier Rioux? (Personal Background)
Born February 2, 2006, in Terrebonne (Anjou), Montreal, Canada, Rioux grew up in a family that understood exceptional height. His father, Jean-François Rioux, stands 6’8″ and works as a photographer, having previously played volleyball. His mother, Anne Gariépy, is 6’1″–6’2″ and works at RBC, also with a volleyball background. His older brother, Émile Rioux, is 6’9″ and also plays basketball.
Growth History
Rioux’s growth has been remarkably consistent. At age 8, he already stood 6’1″ tall. By the summer before 7th grade, when he was 14, he had topped 7 feet. At age 15, he measured 7’5″ and earned the Guinness record. He continued growing, reaching slightly over 7’5″ at age 16, then 7’7.5″ in some interviews at age 18, before the Florida Gators officially listed him at 7’9″ in 2025. His growth rate has been approximately 3.9 inches per year since age 12.
High School and College Path
Before joining the Florida Gators, Rioux attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, a powerhouse high school basketball program. He initially committed to UC Irvine before ultimately joining the University of Florida, where he redshirted his first season and became an active player for the 2025-26 campaign.
Rioux’s exceptional height is attributed to genetics. Both parents are well over 6 feet tall and were former volleyball players. His older brother Émile stands 6’9″ and also plays basketball, making the Rioux family an extraordinary example of hereditary height.
Timeline of Olivier Rioux’s Growth and Career
- February 2, 2006: Born in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada.
- 2014 (age 8): Already 6’1″ tall, though exact figures at this age are only known through later interviews.
- 2021 (age 15): Recognized as the tallest teenager by Guinness World Records at 7’5.33″ (226.9 cm).
- 2022–2024: Attended IMG Academy in Florida, playing high school basketball and developing his game.
- 2024: Committed to UC Irvine Anteaters, but later joined the Florida Gators as a preferred walk-on.
- November 6, 2024: Made collegiate debut for Florida, becoming the tallest player in college basketball history.
- 2025: Won national championship as a redshirt freshman with the Florida Gators.
- March 2026: Became the tallest player in NCAA Tournament history.
Why Is Olivier Rioux’s Height Listed Differently in Different Sources?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Rioux is currently listed at 7’9″ on the Florida Gators official roster. | Whether the 7’9″ figure includes shoes, and whether shoes account for a significant difference. |
| Guinness World Records lists him at 7’5.33″ from 2021. | His exact barefoot height as of 2026 has not been officially confirmed. |
| His height has continued to increase since the Guinness record was set. | Whether he has stopped growing or may still add inches. |
| Instagram bio states “7’9 with shoes” explicitly. | No official source has published a measurement without shoes. |
What Does Olivier Rioux’s Height Mean for His Basketball Future?
Rioux’s extreme height places him in a very rare category of basketball players. Comparatively, players like Tacko Fall (7’6″) and Manute Bol (7’7″) are among the tallest in NBA history, but Rioux stands even taller. There are no public reports of a medical condition such as acromegaly; his growth appears to be naturally exceptional.
Despite his height, his limited minutes in college games point to the significant challenges that extremely tall players face: coordination, strength, and mobility all become more difficult to develop. The Florida Gators are taking a long-term approach with him, and his NBA draft stock remains highly uncertain. As a redshirt freshman in 2025-26, he is not yet eligible for the NBA draft, and projections are minimal at this stage.
Sources and Quotes About Olivier Rioux
“I’m Olivier Rioux from Quebec, Canada, and I hold the record for the tallest teenager (male).”
— Guinness World Records page
“Height: 7-9 | Weight: 305 | Class: Redshirt Freshman”
— Florida Gators official roster
“20 years old WRG @ucimbb ?? height : 7’9 with shoes…. size 20”
— Instagram bio (paraphrased)
Summary: Who Is Olivier Rioux?
Olivier Rioux is a 20-year-old, 7-foot-9 Canadian center for the Florida Gators who holds the distinction of being the tallest college basketball player in history and a former Guinness World Record holder for the tallest teenager. His extraordinary height, combined with his national championship experience and continued development, makes him one of the most unique figures in basketball today. For a comparison of other elite players, read our guide on Kyrie Irving – Complete Stats, Biography And Career Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olivier Rioux’s shoe size?
According to his Instagram bio, his shoe size is 20 US. This has been corroborated by news reports from CBC and Newsweek, though it has not been confirmed by an official team source.
How tall was Olivier Rioux at age 8?
He was 6’1″ at age 8, according to interviews with Yahoo Sports. This figure was provided retrospectively and is not available from official records at the time.
Who are Olivier Rioux’s parents?
His father is Jean-François Rioux (6’8″, former volleyball player, photographer) and his mother is Anne Gariépy (6’1″–6’2″, works at RBC, former volleyball player).
Why is Olivier Rioux’s height listed as 7’5.33″ on Guinness but 7’9″ elsewhere?
The Guinness record was set in 2021 when he was 15, likely measured barefoot. The 7’9″ listing is current with shoes, as reported by his college team and personal social media.
Is Olivier Rioux eligible for the NBA draft?
As a redshirt freshman in college (2025-26), he is not yet eligible. He would need to declare after at least one full season. His draft stock is currently uncertain.
Does Olivier Rioux have any medical condition causing his height?
There are no public reports of a medical condition such as acromegaly. His growth appears to be naturally exceptional and is attributed to genetics.
What is Olivier Rioux’s weight?
He is listed at 305 pounds (138 kg) on the Florida Gators official roster and ESPN player profile.
Where did Olivier Rioux play high school basketball?
He attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, a prestigious high school basketball program known for producing top college and professional talent.
Is Olivier Rioux a freshman or redshirt freshman?
He was a redshirt freshman in the 2024-25 season, meaning he sat out his first year to develop. He became an active player for the 2025-26 season.
Does Olivier Rioux have a brother who also plays basketball?
Yes, his older brother Émile Rioux stands 6’9″ and also plays basketball, though not at the same collegiate level as Olivier.
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Sophie Marlowe covers culture, lifestyle and society for BritView.uk.