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Olivier Rioux is the tallest basketball player in the world. At 7-foot-9, he towers over even his lengthiest competition.
That record-setting height was on full display this week as the freshman hit the practice floor with his Florida Gators teammates. Not only does that size create problems for defenders on the court, but it’s made even the most typical of celebrations a task!
The Gators list five players that stand 6-10 or taller on their 2024-25 roster. One is Rioux.
In an average college basketball lineup, Florida’s size would be on the tall end – even excluding the rookie. Many are lucky to boast one near-7-footer, let alone four!
But 7-9 is an entirely different beast.
Rioux is nearly a foot taller than those giants, and it’s showing!
How tall is Olivier Rioux?
Wait until he high-fives 7’1” center Micah Handlogten 💀💀 pic.twitter.com/PZlz16XNgh
— Talia Baia (@talia_baia) October 1, 2024
Olivier Rioux’s height makes even a simple high five a task for his teammates. Those seven-footers have to leave their feet to make contact!
The center towers over his teammates, making them appear miniscule when side-by-side.
That said, he may not be ready for the big time quite yet.
Head coach Todd Golden plans to ease his preferred walk-on into action. While he may see the floor some this season, don’t expect massive outputs in terms of minutes played.
We look at him as a long-term investment, where if he continues to buy into our program and our coaches and our system that he will continue to develop into a player who can help us consistently. He’s not there yet and it might take him a while, but he’s definitely one of the most unique players in America.
– Todd Golden
Development will be key, though he already has some tools to work with. The guy barely has to leave his feet to dunk.
Here’s a look at Florida Gators 7’9 freshman Olivier Rioux. I don’t expect him to play much at all this season. But if Todd Golden can develop him… he can be an unmatched force in the paint for the Gators. pic.twitter.com/zJrmfwkr6d
— Isaac Edelman (@IsaacEdelman) October 1, 2024
You can’t teach size!
If developed correctly, he could become a force in the paint both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. He’ll likely take Year 1 as a college player to improve upon footwork and fitness, but from there, the sky is the limit.
The Florida coaching staff hopes to see Olivier Rioux utilize that record setting height to his advantage. If he does become the player that the Gators hope, he’ll have to throw a low-five into his celebration arsenal.