Canadian giant Olivier Rioux sets sights on NBA stardom
The 18-year-old Canadian Olivier Rioux, standing at an impressive 2.36 metres tall, is starting the season with the Florida Gators basketball team. He is the tallest player in the history of college basketball in the USA and a young man destined to join the NBA. He already surpasses the legends of the renowned league.
31 October 2024 09:52
Rioux, recognised by the Guinness World Records as the tallest teenager in the world, surpasses the previous NCAA record holder, Kenny George from UNC Asheville (2.31 metres), who played from 2006-2008, by five centimetres.
His height also surpasses NBA legends: Romanian Gheorghe Muresan and the late Sudanese Manute Bol (both 2.31 metres), the famous Chinese Yao Ming (2.29 metres), and current rising star Victor Wembanyama (2.24 metres), the colleague of Jeremy Sochan from the San Antonio Spurs.
Although he has experienced this interest since childhood, he has learned to live with it. - People are just curious, and there's nothing you can do about it, you can't change it – he adds.
Olivier hails from Terrebonne, which is in the province of Quebec. He started training in basketball at the age of five. In his family, tall stature is the norm – his mum is 1.88 metres, his dad 2.03 metres, and his older brother nearly 2.08 metres.
Already in primary school, he towered over most teachers. As an eight-year-old, he was 1.83 metres tall; by seventh grade, he exceeded 2.13 metres.
Coaches and teammates on the world's tallest teenager
The Florida Gators' coaches praise Rioux for his coordination and court movement. Despite his enormous height, the 18-year-old works diligently to prepare as best he can for his debut in NCAA Division I.
We don't put pressure on him; we know he has a long way to go. (...) Regardless of the level of play, his presence draws the attention of the fans. He is an individual, someone unique – emphasises coach Todd Golden.
Having such a tall player also affects his teammates.
When I walk with Olivier, no one pays attention to me anymore. (...) Everyone's attention is focused on him – notes Gators' centre Micah Handlogten, who himself is 2.16 metres tall.
Rioux is aware of his impact on his surroundings but remains focused on developing his career. - Conversations with strangers are usually pleasant – he says. His goal is to continue working hard and to use his extraordinary potential on the court.
