When it comes to basketball, height isn’t just an advantage—it’s often a game-changer. In NCAA basketball, towering athletes attract attention not just for their size but for the unique challenges and opportunities their height brings to the game. Among these giants, Olivier Rioux stands out as the tallest college basketball player, making waves in both domestic and international competitions.
The Tallest College Basketball Player Right Now
7-foot-9 basketball project Olivier Rioux is world’s tallest teen https://t.co/C5BrtkAKgk
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 30, 2024
At 7 feet 9 inches, Olivier Rioux’s height has earned him comparisons with some of the NBA’s most iconic giants. His size offers a natural edge in both offense and defense. Whether blocking shots, dominating rebounds, or finishing near the rim, Rioux exemplifies how size can dictate the rhythm of a basketball game. However, being a towering figure requires more than just standing tall—agility, speed, and skill development remain critical for his success at the collegiate and professional levels.
Rioux isn’t just a product of luck; athleticism runs in his family. His father, brother, and mother all measure over 6 feet, hinting at the genetic blueprint that shaped his exceptional stature. Scouts have taken notice of his potential, but they also recognize that success will require refining his coordination and quickness on the court, it’s not enough with being a 7-foot college basketball player.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Tallest NCAA Basketball Player
While height brings obvious benefits, it also introduces hurdles. Standing 7 feet 9 inches makes it easier to control the paint, but agility is often sacrificed. In the case of Rioux, his gameplay resembles the strategy used by legendary NBA center Shaquille O’Neal—dominating under the rim but needing to improve lateral movement and outside shooting. As college basketball emphasizes fast-paced plays, Rioux will need to evolve beyond his current strengths to remain competitive.
Still, teams know that having a player of Rioux’s height is a defensive asset. His presence alone can disrupt offensive strategies, collapse zones, and deter opponents from approaching the basket. “He absorbs space and shifts the game’s dynamics just by being on the floor,” a scout remarked.
Who Is the Tallest College Basketball Player?
Olivier Rioux’s basketball journey began long before he set foot on a U.S. college court. In 2019, at just 13 years old, Rioux measured 7 feet 2 inches and briefly joined the youth program of Real Madrid, one of Europe’s most prestigious sports clubs. His stint in Spain didn’t last, but it showcased his potential on an international stage, drawing attention from scouts.
Rioux’s international experience continued with the Canadian national team, where he competed in the U-17 World Cup in 2022. His performances in youth tournaments, like the La Roda U-12 Championship, further solidified his status as a future star.
Can Rioux Break the Mold of Tall Players?
Throughout basketball history, height has been a defining characteristic of many memorable players. Legends like Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol—both 7 feet 7 inches—used their height to make an impact, though they also encountered limitations in agility and mobility. More recently, Victor Wembanyama has redefined what it means to be a tall player with his 7-foot-4 frame and the ability to play all over the court.
While Olivier Rioux is not yet as versatile as Wembanyama, his height gives him the foundation to become a difference-maker in defense. Coaches will look to leverage his size for rim protection while emphasizing drills to enhance his quickness and shooting ability. If Rioux can improve in these areas, he may become a dominant force, not only in college basketball but in professional leagues worldwide.
Is There a 7-Foot-9 Player in College Basketball?
As of now, no college basketball player surpasses Olivier Rioux in height.
According to BetUS sportsbook, players of this size are rare; until now, the tallest players in College Basketball have been 7-foot-7. Kenny George of UNC Asheville and Mike Lanier of Hardin-Simmons/UCLA.
Who Is the Tallest 17-Year-Old in the World?
Olivier Rioux from Canada is the world’s tallest teenager.
He measures 226.9 cm (7 ft and 5.33 in) and is a future basketball star 🏀 pic.twitter.com/3dHcREugZC
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) February 18, 2022
Olivier Rioux isn’t just making waves in college basketball—his name is also listed in the **Guinness World Records** as the tallest teenager in the world. Remarkably, at just 8 years old, Rioux was already taller than some NBA players and even towered over his teachers.
In an interview featured on the official Guinness website, Rioux shared his thoughts about his extraordinary height:
We’re still not entirely sure why I’m this tall. After some tests, doctors could only point to genetics. My dad is 6’8″, my mom is 6’2″, and my older brother is 6’9″. So, yeah, we’re definitely a tall family!
Far from being bothered by his towering stature, Rioux embraces it:
It feels great to be as tall as I am—I love it. I was always the tallest in school and on my teams, and I’ve just learned to accept that this is what life had in store for me. Over time, I’ve found peace with it, and now it just makes me happy.