At 7 feet, 9 inches tall, 18-year-old Olivier Rioux is set to become the tallest college basketball player ever, surpassing Paul Sturgess' record as he joins the Florida Gators.

Rioux, previously known for holding the Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager, brings an imposing presence to the Florida Gators. Standing at an unprecedented height and with notable achievements such as helping Canada secure a bronze medal at the 2023 U18 FIBA AmeriCup, Rioux aims to make a significant impact on college basketball. As a three-star prospect who played high school basketball at IMG Academy, his inclusion promises to reshape the dynamics of the game under coach Todd Golden's watch.

Rioux's towering height isn't a recent development; his remarkable growth started at a young age. At 8 years old, he was already 6 feet, 1 inch tall—a height that most adults don’t even reach. By the time he was in sixth grade, Rioux had shot up to 6 feet, 11 inches. He continued to grow rapidly and stood at 7 feet before entering seventh grade. Two years ago, at the age of 15, he reached 7 feet, 5 inches, the height at which he earned his Guinness World Record for tallest teenager. Last year, he was measured at 7 feet, 6 inches, and earlier this year, he stood at 7 feet, 7 inches before reaching his current height of 7 feet, 9 inches.

Rioux's unparalleled height is matched by his family's impressive stature. His father stands at 6 feet, 8 inches, his mother at 6 feet, 1 inch, and his brother at 6 feet, 9 inches. This genetic advantage has played a crucial role in Rioux's basketball career. His size 20 shoes are just one indicator of his considerable physical presence on the court.

Olivier Rioux's early promise was evident during his high school years at IMG Academy, a school renowned for producing top-tier athletic talent. It wasn’t just his height that set him apart; his skills on the court have developed in parallel, making him a formidable center. He was listed as a three-star prospect and ranked 376th nationally by MaxPreps, and 305th by 247sports.com. He is also ranked 56th among centers by both ranking organizations.

At the international level, Rioux has already demonstrated his capabilities by helping Canada secure a bronze medal at the 2023 U18 FIBA AmeriCup. Playing against some of the best young talent in the Americas, he averaged 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential to contribute both offensively and defensively.

Rioux isn't just a name in the sports circuit; he’s also gained fame on social media. A photo of him towering over Denver Nuggets guard Jamaal Murray, who is 6 feet, 4 inches tall, went viral in 2018, drawing widespread attention and marking the beginning of his public prominence.

The road to becoming the tallest college basketball player ever has not been without its challenges, but Rioux has navigated them with resilience. His remarkable growth has required customized training programs to ensure his physical health and optimize his performance on the court. At 18, his journey is just beginning as he aims to leave an indelible mark on college basketball.

Standing 7 feet, 9 inches tall, he eclipses the previous record-holder, Paul Sturgess, who was 7 feet, 8 inches tall and played for Florida Tech and Mountain State. Rioux’s presence on the court is sure to create unique opportunities and challenges for both himself and his teammates. Coach Todd Golden and the Florida Gators will have a distinctive opportunity to harness Rioux’s extraordinary talents to redefine strategies and gameplay.

Rioux's entry into college basketball is anticipated with great interest. His unique combination of height, skill, and early achievements positions him as a player to watch. As he steps onto the court for the Florida Gators, observers, analysts, and fans alike will be keen to see how his presence influences the dynamics of college basketball games.