If you saw a guy walking through an airport and his head was literally level with the top of the door frame, you'd probably stop and stare. Most people do. For Olivier Rioux, that’s just a Tuesday. He isn’t just some tall kid from Canada; he is a 7-foot-9 phenomenon currently playing for the Florida Gators.
Let’s be real. When someone is that big, the first question isn’t "How’s the weather up there?" It’s usually: "Can he actually play, or is he just a human skyscraper?" Honestly, the answer is a lot more complicated than a simple yes or no.
The Myth of the 7 8 Basketball Player
First off, let’s clear up the height thing. While many fans search for the "7 8 basketball player," Olivier Rioux actually measured in at 7 feet, 9 inches for the 2025-26 season. He officially broke the record for the tallest player in college basketball history, surpassing Kenny George (7'7").
He’s huge. Like, "dunk without leaving the floor" huge.
When he made his debut against North Florida in November 2025, the O’Connell Center went absolutely nuts. The "We want Ollie!" chants started early. Even though he only played about two minutes and didn’t touch the ball, the sight of him standing next to a "normal" 6-foot-10 center looked like a glitch in a video game.
📖 Related: Formula One Points Table Explained: Why the Math Matters More Than the Racing
Why is he so tall?
Doctors have poked and prodded him for years. The verdict? Genetics. It’s not a medical condition like acromegaly or a pituitary issue. His dad is 6’8”, his mom is 6’2”, and his brother is 6’9”. He just happened to get the "super-sized" version of those genes. By the time he was in sixth grade, he was already 6’11”. Imagine being 12 years old and literally looking down on your teachers.
Beyond the Viral Clips: Can He Play?
You’ve probably seen the TikToks. A giant kid standing in the paint, casually dropping the ball into the hoop while three defenders fruitlessly jump around his waist. It looks easy. But the jump from viral sensation to SEC basketball is a massive leap.
The Skill Set
Rioux isn’t just a "height merchant." He’s spent time at the IMG Academy and played for the Canadian National Team in various FIBA tournaments. He’s got decent touch. He can pass. But—and this is a big "but"—the pace of modern basketball is incredibly fast.
- Mobility: This is the biggest hurdle. Moving a 305-pound, 7’9” frame across 94 feet of hardwood is a cardiovascular nightmare.
- The Redshirt Year: He spent the 2024-25 season as a redshirt. That was a smart move by Florida coach Todd Golden. It gave Rioux time to work on his core strength and agility without the pressure of being exploited in high-stakes games.
- Defensive Gravity: Even if he doesn't move fast, he changes the game just by existing. You can't run a standard pick-and-roll when there’s a guy whose wingspan covers the entire lane.
He’s currently a freshman in terms of eligibility in 2026. While his stats aren't jumping off the page—averaging less than a point in very limited minutes—the project is about the long game.
👉 See also: El Paso Locomotive FC Standings: Why the 2025 Surge Changes Everything for 2026
The Reality of Living at 7'9"
We talk about the dunks, but we don't talk about the shoes. Rioux wears a size 20. You don't just pick those up at the local mall. Everything in his life has to be custom-made.
His bed? Custom.
His clothes? Tailored.
His travel? A nightmare.
Can you imagine trying to fit into a standard hotel shower or a bus seat when you’re nearly eight feet tall? He’s basically living in a world built for people half his size. Despite that, he seems incredibly grounded. He’s into drawing and likes the character Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy because he relates to being "tall and friendly."
The "Wemby" Comparison
Everyone wants to compare him to Victor Wembanyama. Don't do that. It's not fair. Wembanyama is a 7’4” guard in a center’s body. Rioux is a traditional, massive interior presence. He isn't going to be pulling up for transition threes or crossing people over at the perimeter. His path to the pros, if it happens, looks more like a specialized defensive "rebound and rim-protect" role.
✨ Don't miss: Duke Football Recruiting 2025: Manny Diaz Just Flipped the Script in Durham
What’s Next for the Tallest Gator?
Is he an NBA prospect? Some scouts say yes, purely because you can’t coach 7’9”. Others are skeptical about his ability to guard the perimeter in a league that loves "small ball."
Right now, he's a developmental piece for Florida. He’s a "break glass in case of emergency" rim protector and a massive fan favorite. If he can improve his lateral quickness by even 10%, he becomes a legitimate problem for every team in the SEC.
If you’re following his journey, keep an eye on these specific things:
- Conditioning: Can he play 5-8 minutes straight without gasping for air?
- Footwork: Watch his drop-step. If he gets that down, he’s unguardable in the post.
- NIL Growth: He’s already working on his O-1 visa to capitalize on his massive social media following.
The 7 8 basketball player (well, 7'9") isn't a circus act. He's a kid trying to find his place in a game that is moving faster than ever. Whether he makes the league or stays a college legend, you won't be able to look away.
To really see if he's making progress, stop watching the dunks and start watching how he runs back on defense. That's where the real story is.