7-Foot-9 Olivier Rioux Rejects $3.5M Offer from Tennessee, Commits to Florida Gators”Olivier Rioux has turned down a jaw-dropping $3.5 million offer from the Tennessee Volunteer”. Rioux is not only the tallest player in college basketball—he holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager in the world
In the world of college basketball, few stories are as captivating as that of Olivier Rioux. Standing at an astonishing 7 feet 9 inches, Rioux isn’t just the tallest player in college basketball—he holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager in the world. His journey from a young basketball prodigy in Canada to a freshman center for the Florida Gators is a testament to talent, determination, and the allure of the sport.
Born on February 2, 2006, in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada, Olivier Rioux was destined for greatness. From a young age, it was evident that he was no ordinary child. By the time he was eight years old, he already stood at 6 feet 1 inch. His growth continued at an unprecedented rate, reaching 6 feet 11 inches by sixth grade and 7 feet during the summer before entering seventh grade. This rapid growth spurt culminated in his current height of 7 feet 9 inches, earning him the title of the world’s tallest teenager .
His family background played a significant role in his stature. Both of his parents are exceptionally tall—his father, Jean-François Rioux, stands at 6 feet 8 inches, and his mother, Anne Gariépy, is 6 feet 2 inches. His older brother, Émile, is also notably tall at 6 feet 9 inches. Both parents were former volleyball players, and Olivier has been playing basketball since the age of five .
Rioux’s basketball journey began in Canada, where he played for various AAU teams. His exceptional height and skills on the court quickly caught the attention of scouts and coaches. At age 12, he gained international recognition while playing for the French Phenoms. His talent continued to shine as he played for Real Madrid’s youth team and the Canadian AAU team Brookwood Elite .
Recognizing the need for a more competitive environment to hone his skills, Rioux moved to Florida to attend IMG Academy in Bradenton. This decision proved pivotal in his development as a player. At IMG Academy, he faced top-tier competition daily, which accelerated his growth both on and off the court.
As Rioux’s reputation grew, so did the interest from college programs across the United States. One of the most significant offers came from the University of Tennessee, which extended a $3.5 million deal to Rioux. This offer was unprecedented and underscored the immense value that Rioux brought to the table. However, despite the allure of such a substantial financial offer, Rioux made the decision to turn it down.
His choice to reject the offer was influenced by several factors, including his desire to play for a program that aligned with his personal and athletic goals. Ultimately, Rioux committed to the Florida Gators, a decision that would shape the next chapter of his basketball career.
In 2024, Rioux announced his commitment to the Florida Gators, joining the Southeastern Conference powerhouse. His decision was met with excitement and anticipation, as fans and analysts alike were eager to see how his unique talents would translate to the collegiate level .
Florida head coach Todd Golden expressed enthusiasm about Rioux’s potential, highlighting his size, skill set, and the impact he could have on the team’s performance. Rioux’s presence on the court was expected to be a game-changer, offering a dominant force in the paint and a significant rebounding advantage.
Despite the high expectations, Rioux’s freshman year at Florida saw him redshirted, meaning he did not participate in official games during the 2024-25 season. This decision allowed him to focus on developing his skills and adjusting to the rigors of college basketball without using up a year of eligibility .
During this time, Rioux worked closely with coaches and teammates, refining his game and preparing for the challenges ahead. His commitment to improvement and his work ethic during the redshirt year set the stage for a promising future with the Gators.
The 2024-25 season proved to be historic for the Florida Gators, culminating in a thrilling 65-63 victory over the Houston Cougars to claim the NCAA Championship. While Rioux did not play in the tournament due to his redshirt status, his presence on the team was invaluable. His size and skills provided the Gators with a unique advantage in practices and scrimmages, contributing to the team’s overall success .
As the team celebrated their first national title since 2007, Rioux’s potential was evident. His future with the Gators looked bright, and the basketball world eagerly anticipated his debut in the upcoming season.
One of the most memorable moments for Rioux during his time at Florida was meeting NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. In a lighthearted TikTok video, the 7-foot-1 O’Neal stood next to Rioux, who dwarfed him by several inches. The video, captioned “Pick on someone your own size,” went viral, showcasing the sheer magnitude of Rioux’s stature and adding to his growing popularity .
As Olivier Rioux prepares for his official debut with the Florida Gators, the basketball community is watching closely. His unique combination of size, skill, and potential has the makings of a future NBA star. Whether he continues to develop into a dominant force in the paint or expands his game to include more perimeter skills, Rioux’s journey is one that promises to captivate fans for years to come.
In the world of college basketball, Olivier Rioux stands as a towering figure—both literally and figuratively. His story is one of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness, and it is a narrative that will undoubtedly continue to unfold in the seasons ahead.
