7-Foot-9 Guinness World Record Holder Olivier Rioux Weighs Kentucky Commitment, Rejects $30M Deals from Top SEC and Big Ten Programs
Olivier Rioux, the towering 7-foot-9 high school basketball phenom who holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager in the world, is at the center of one of the most surreal and high-stakes recruiting sagas in the history of college basketball. With offers soaring past $30 million in NIL value from elite programs such as Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, Auburn, and Georgia, Rioux is reportedly leaning toward committing to the Kentucky Wildcats—under a very specific and unconventional set of terms and conditions that have both captivated and puzzled the basketball world.
The Canadian-born Rioux, who recently graduated from IMG Academy, has long been an anomaly on the hardwood. Standing just shy of 8 feet tall, his mere presence in the paint alters the geometry of the game. He requires no vertical leap to dunk, affects every shot within a 10-foot radius, and commands double- and triple-teams as a matter of routine. Yet, what has truly intrigued scouts and programs alike is not just his height, but his increasing agility, coordination, and basketball IQ—all of which have seen major improvements over the past year. At one time written off by major programs due to conditioning and mobility issues, Rioux has reshaped his narrative with a relentless work ethic and dedication to improving his all-around game.
Sources close to the situation confirm that Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has emerged as the frontrunner in the Rioux sweepstakes. Despite the Wildcats offering significantly less in immediate NIL compensation compared to their SEC and Big Ten rivals, Rioux is reportedly drawn to Kentucky’s long-term vision for his development. He’s intrigued by the idea of being molded not just as a novelty or publicity stunt, but as a serious basketball player who could play meaningful minutes and eventually make an impact in the NBA.
However, this potential commitment comes with conditions that would be unprecedented in NCAA history. Rioux’s camp has reportedly submitted a unique set of stipulations to Kentucky officials before any formal commitment. Among these are guarantees for a customized strength and mobility program supervised by both the team’s training staff and a third-party specialist, weekly physical therapy sessions to maintain lower-body health, a tailor-made nutrition regimen, and academic support focused on sports business and international marketing. More surprisingly, the terms also include a media management clause designed to control access and image rights, limiting Rioux’s availability to commercial endorsements that could distract from his on-court focus.
Such stipulations are not unheard of for professional athletes, but for a collegiate player—even one with Rioux’s notoriety—they represent a new frontier. Rioux’s representatives have emphasized that he is not chasing the biggest bag, despite the attention-grabbing NIL figures floated by competing programs. Instead, the towering teenager is “focused on becoming the best basketball player he can be,” according to a source familiar with his recruitment.
What makes the Kentucky pitch so compelling is its emphasis on player development. Coach Pope and his staff have built a reputation on revitalizing the careers of unconventional players and maximizing individual potential through strategic development. With Rioux, Pope sees a project that could evolve into a generational defensive talent and low-post force if given the right structure and timeline. The Wildcats are also prepared to redshirt Rioux in his freshman season, giving him a year to acclimate physically and mentally without the pressure of immediate performance.
Still, the competition remains fierce. Florida reportedly offered a multi-year NIL structure totaling $30 million, complete with endorsement deals from major sportswear brands, luxury car perks, and even preliminary talks of a documentary series. Tennessee and Auburn have also pitched large-market visibility combined with lucrative incentives, ranging from housing stipends to family relocation support. Michigan, with its powerful alumni network, presented an NIL strategy built around long-term wealth management and investment opportunities.
But Rioux’s rejection of these lucrative packages has led to a wave of admiration and skepticism alike. For every supporter who praises his mature, long-view approach, there are critics who question the practicality of turning down generational wealth in favor of an unproven developmental path. Some even speculate that Rioux may be positioning himself for a short college stint, aiming to boost his NBA Draft stock with a year of focused training before declaring.
That idea is complicated by NBA rules and historical precedent. Players of extraordinary height, like Rioux, often face questions about durability and transition to the faster pace of professional play. The list of players over 7-foot-5 who have thrived in the modern NBA is extremely short, and injuries have been a common theme. However, Rioux’s camp believes that his trajectory will mirror more the likes of Kristaps Porzingis or Yao Ming rather than project flameouts like Sim Bhullar or Mamadou N’Diaye. The key difference, they say, lies in proactive training and a thoughtful support system—something they believe Kentucky uniquely provides.
Moreover, Rioux’s growing popularity in Canada adds another layer of pressure and opportunity. He is already a household name in Canadian basketball circles, and his potential commitment to Kentucky has ignited excitement among Canadian Wildcats fans and alumni. There is real talk of Kentucky scheduling future exhibitions or international tours in Canada to capitalize on Rioux’s celebrity, though those plans remain speculative pending NCAA regulation and travel policies.
From a basketball standpoint, Rioux presents a unique challenge to opponents and coaches alike. His ability to dominate the paint without expending much energy is coupled with a developing mid-range shot and an underrated feel for passing out of double-teams. While still a work in progress defensively when guarding quicker opponents, his shot-blocking instincts and sheer intimidation factor more than make up for his lateral limitations. In high school, he averaged nearly seven blocks and 12 rebounds per game while altering countless more. With proper conditioning, some scouts believe Rioux could average a double-double in college within a season or two.
Yet, perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Rioux recruitment saga is its symbolism. In a college basketball era increasingly defined by NIL, transfer portal chaos, and professional branding, Olivier Rioux represents a different ethos—a player choosing developmental security over financial immediacy, legacy over leverage. Kentucky, a program that has long straddled the line between basketball tradition and modern innovation, may be the perfect proving ground for a prospect who breaks every mold.
Still, nothing is finalized. Rioux is expected to visit Lexington again later this month for a private workout and in-depth meetings with university and athletic department leadership. It’s unclear whether Kentucky will agree to every detail of Rioux’s proposed terms, but insiders suggest the program is willing to be flexible. “If you’re going to invest in a unicorn,” said one source close to the situation, “you have to build the right habitat.”
Whether Rioux ultimately dons the Kentucky blue or surprises the world by pivoting to another powerhouse—or even going pro in Europe—is yet to be seen. But what’s certain is that his decision will mark a watershed moment in how the college game handles extraordinary prospects in an increasingly complex and commercialized era. For now, the basketball world waits as the 7-foot-9 giant contemplates a decision that could redefine not only his future, but the sport’s approach to uniqueness itself.
