Guinness World Record: 7-Foot-9 Olivier Rioux commits to Kentucky wildcats basketball Chooses to forgo a lucrative $3.5 million offer from Tennessee, gators, Georgia and Texas! Olivier, the tallest player in college basketball and a Guinness World Record holder as the tallest in the world history
Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9-inch Canadian basketball player, has garnered significant attention for his exceptional height and skills on the court. Contrary to the initial claim, Rioux committed to the University of Florida’s Gators basketball team, not the Kentucky Wildcats. Here’s a detailed look at Rioux’s background and career:
*Early Life and High School Career*
– Born on February 2, 2006, in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada
– Started playing basketball at age 5
– Played for multiple Canadian AAU teams and the French Phenoms at age 12, standing 6-foot-10
– Attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
– Played for Real Madrid before joining IMG Academy
*College Career*
– Committed to the University of Florida’s Gators basketball team
– Currently a freshman, wearing jersey number 32
– Redshirted for the 2024-25 season, with head coach Todd Golden citing discussions with Rioux, his family, and AAU coach regarding the decision
– Has not appeared in any games for the Gators this season
*International Experience*
– Represented Canada at various youth levels, including:
– 2021 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship, averaging 8.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game
– 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 2.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game
– 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup, averaging 3.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game
– 2024 FIBA Under-18 AmeriCup, winning a bronze medal and averaging 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game
*Guinness World Record*
– Holds the record for the tallest teenager in the world, measuring 7-foot-5 inches at age 15
– Currently stands at 7-foot-9 inches tall
*Recruitment and Offers*
– Received interest from several top colleges, including Kentucky, before committing to Florida
– Kentucky’s coaching staff, including Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman, watched Rioux play in Memphis
– No reports confirm a $3.5 million offer from Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, or Texas¹ ² ³
