Enthused by the concept - Gigantic individual standing nearly 8 feet tall and recognized as the world's tallest teenager, who outmatches NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, is giving American football a shot.
In the realm of basketball, there's a towering figure who has captured the attention of the sports world - Olivier Rioux. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 9 inches (236 cm), Rioux holds the title of the tallest teenager alive, surpassing any current NCAA or NBA player[1][2][3][4][5].
At just 19 years old, Rioux's growth appears to have plateaued, with no official "predicted NBA height" beyond his current stature. However, given his extraordinary height and youth, it is unlikely he will grow much taller, making his current height his potential NBA height[1][3].
Rioux's journey in basketball is far from over. His focus now lies in honing his coordination and stamina, factors that will significantly impact his performance at the professional level[1][3].
Last season, Rioux chose to redshirt, spending his time training with the Florida Gators. He is expected to make a limited appearance on the court during the 2025–26 season[6]. Unfortunately, he did not play for Florida during their run at The Dance, including their championship game against the Cougars. However, he joined in the celebrations after the NCAA title win, a moment captured in viral footage showing him cutting down the net without the aid of a ladder[7].
Rioux's path to the NBA is still a long one, but if he makes it, he would become the tallest player in league history, surpassing the current tallest, Victor Wembanyama, who stands at 7ft 4in[8].
Before joining the University of Florida's Division-I team, Rioux honed his skills at IMG Academy in Florida. His basketball journey began early, with him being listed at over 7ft 5in when he entered the Guinness World Record book as the world's tallest teenager[9].
Off the court, Rioux has shown versatility, recently working out for the University of Florida's football team, trying out for special teams. Despite his size, he was unable to block any kicks during the workout[10].
In the world of basketball, Rioux towers over legends such as 7ft 1in Shaquille O'Neal, whom he met earlier this year[11]. His 11-inch reach was hoped to be a difference maker in blocking field goals and extra points, but his impact will depend on his development in coordination and stamina[1][3].
Recently, Rioux celebrated the one-seeded Gators winning the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Florida defeated the Houston Cougars 65-63 in a nail-biter in San Antonio to claim their first March Madness title since 2007. Walter Clayton Jr was one of the Gators' heroes in the championship game[12].
As Rioux prepares for his limited debut this fall for Florida, the basketball world eagerly awaits to see how this extraordinary teenager will make his mark on the game[13].
References:
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- Despite his success in basketball, Olivier Rioux recently tried out for the University of Florida's football team, but his experience was limited as he was unable to block any kicks during the workout.
- If Olivier Rioux joins the NBA, he will surpass Victor Wembanyama to become the tallest player in league history, standing at a towering 7 feet 9 inches (236 cm).
- In addition to basketball, Olivier Rioux has shown versatility beyond his sports career, earning a spot in the Guinness World Record book as the world's tallest teenager back when he was listed at over 7 feet 5 inches.
- As Olivier Rioux prepares for his limited debut for Florida during the 2025–26 season, the sports world eagerly anticipates how this extraordinary teenager will make his mark on the game, both in basketball and potentially other sports like football.
