Incoming Florida Gator Oliver Rioux to become college basketball’s tallest player

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Oliver Rioux, a 7-foot-9 center out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, might have some players and fans looking up when he arrives on campus at the University of Florida this fall.

According to a report, Rioux will become college basketball’s tallest player when he steps onto the court at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, also known as the O’Dome, in Gainesville.

Paul Sturgess, who played at Florida Tech and Mountain State, set the previous mark at 7-foot-7.

“Where are all these freakishly guys coming from,” one user wrote on Rioux’s Instagram. “Taller than Wemby [Victor Wembanyama] is wild,” another said.

Victor Wembanyama, who plays professionally for the San Antonio Spurs, is 7-foot-4. He averaged 21.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game while winning the NBA’s Rookie of the Year.

What might be even more scary for opponents, Rioux still could be growing. After he graduated from high school, he stood at a “meager” 7-foot-7.

He also might run into some problems looking for a pair of Nikes. The 290-pound big man wears a size 20 shoe.

When Rioux was eight years old, he was already taller than most adults at over 6-feet tall. By the time he was in seventh grade, Rioux was almost 7-feet tall.

Furthermore, Rioux’s family could form a formidable starting five on the floor. His mother is listed at 6-foot-2 while his father is 6-foot-8.

According to 247sports, Rioux was listed as a 3-star recruit and 27th best prospect coming out of the state of Florida in the class of 2024. He also ranked as the 53rd best center and 305th best prospect nationally for his class.

He also might be a “big” help to Florida after they finished 24-12 and sixth in the Southeastern Conference last season. The Gators concluded their season with a 19-point loss to Auburn in the SEC Tournament.

For perspective, back-to-back consensus National Player of the Year Zach Edey stood 7-foot-4 upon graduating from Purdue University. Edey averaged over 25 points and 12 rebounds per game while helping the Boilermakers to the national championship game before falling to UConn.

Rioux also is taller than former UCF Knight Tacko Fall at 7-foot-6 and UNC-Asheville’s Kenny George at 7-foot-7.