Olivier Rioux: Height, Stats, and Why the 7’9″ Star Isn’t in the NBA

The short version: Rioux is a walking anomaly — a 7’9” teenager with a Guinness World Record who plays for one of college basketball’s premier programs, yet hasn’t cracked a consistent rotation spot. Despite the hype around his height, the Gators’ giant isn’t in the NBA — at least not yet.

Who Is Olivier Rioux?

Olivier Rioux was born on February 2, 2006, in Quebec, Canada, and his height has been a defining trait since early childhood. By age 8, he was already 6’1” — taller than most adults. By seventh grade, he had passed 7 feet, a milestone that most professional centers reach only in their twenties, if at all. His growth has continued steadily, and he now stands at a listed 7’9”.

Rioux’s height led to a Guinness World Record in 2023, when he was officially measured at 7’5.3” at age 17 — making him the tallest teenager on the planet. Since then, he has grown another few inches to his current listed height of 7’9”. That places him above every NBA player in history, including the 7’7” icons like Manute Bol and Gheorghe Muresan.

How Tall Is Olivier Rioux Really?

Rioux’s height is a matter of public record, but it’s also a moving target. As of the 2024–25 season, Florida’s official roster lists him at 7’9” and 305 pounds. Guinness World Records measured him at 7’5.3” in 2023 when he was under 18, but his growth has continued since then.

What’s more telling is how he stacks up historically. Rioux is taller than any current or former NBA player. The tallest NBA player ever was Gheorghe Muresan at 7’7”. He’s also taller than all-time greats like Yao Ming (7’6”) and Shawn Bradley (7’6”). No one at his height has ever played meaningful minutes in the NBA.

Olivier Rioux’s College Stats

For a player of his size, Rioux’s college stats are surprisingly light. In his redshirt freshman season at Florida (2024–25), he played sparingly. He appeared in only a handful of games, logging minimal minutes per contest. He scored in double figures only in a handful of blowout games, and his averages reflect that — roughly 2-3 points and 2 rebounds per game in his appearances.

His per-game averages don’t tell the full story, though. When Rioux did check in, he often made an immediate impact on the defensive end simply by occupying space. But the sample size is tiny, and he hasn’t yet shown the stamina or foot speed to handle extended minutes against high-major competition.

Why Is Olivier Rioux Not Playing in the NBA?

The simplest answer is that the NBA requires more than height. Rioux is eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft, but as of now, he’s not on any NBA roster because he hasn’t proven he can perform at that level — yet. Scouts have concerns about his conditioning, mobility, and injury risk at his extreme height.

Rioux’s size makes some of those tasks harder, not easier. His center of gravity is high, his joints absorb enormous impact, and his footwork is still a work in progress. NBA teams value rim protection, but they also need big men who can switch on defense and run the floor. Rioux isn’t there yet.

Is Olivier Rioux Good at Basketball?

“Good” depends on what you’re measuring. If you’re asking whether Rioux is currently an NBA-caliber player, the honest answer is no — not yet. His college minutes are limited, and his per-game averages reflect a player still finding his rhythm. But if you’re asking whether he has potential, the answer is more encouraging. He’s 19, he’s already 7’9”, and he’s playing for a major Division I program that trusts him enough to keep him on the roster.

His ceiling is genuinely unprecedented: if he can add strength and coordination, he could become a more versatile version of what teams hoped to get out of a player like Tacko Fall. But potential doesn’t translate to production automatically, and Rioux’s development is far from guaranteed.

Rioux isn’t good enough for the NBA right now, but he’s also not a typical freshman. His size gives him a unique defensive presence, and his shooting touch shows flashes of promise for a player his height. The gap between his current game and his ceiling is wide — but not insurmountable.

What’s Next for Olivier Rioux

Rioux’s immediate future is still in Gainesville. He’ll spend his sophomore season (2025–26) continuing to develop under Florida’s coaching staff, with an eye toward the 2026 NBA Draft. His path forward depends on adding functional strength, improving his conditioning, and proving he can stay healthy through a full season.

If he stabilizes around his current height, he has a chance to become one of the most unique players the league has ever seen. If his growth continues, the medical risks may outweigh the basketball upside. Either way, Rioux’s next two years will define whether his height becomes a historic advantage or a cautionary tale.

Key Takeaways

• Rioux stands 7’9” and weighs 305 pounds, per Florida’s official roster.
• He set the Guinness World Record for tallest teenager (under 18) at 7’5.3” in 2023.
• He is taller than any NBA player in history, including Gheorghe Muresan (7’7”).
• In his redshirt freshman season at Florida, he averaged roughly 2-3 points and 2 rebounds per game.
• He is eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft but needs significant development to be a realistic pick.

Common Questions About Olivier Rioux

Sources

• On3: Olivier Rioux – The tallest player in NCAA history
• ESPN: Olivier Rioux player page
• Sports Reference: Olivier Rioux college stats
• Florida Gators official roster
• Guinness World Records: Tallest teenager

Last updated: June 2025