We’ve all seen the photos. Shaquille O’Neal, the man who spent two decades making elite NBA centers look like middle schoolers, standing next to normal humans. He makes a 12-ounce soda can look like a AA battery. He makes The Rock look like an accountant. But when images of Olivier Rioux next to Shaq started circulating, the internet had a collective brain melt.
Shaq is 7-foot-1. He’s 325 pounds (on a good day). He is the "Big Diesel." Yet, in front of Olivier Rioux, he looks... remarkably normal. Maybe even a little bit small? It’s a jarring sight for anyone who grew up watching Shaq shatter backboards.
The Viral Moment: When 7-foot-1 Met 7-foot-9
It happened because, well, the world is small but the people in it are getting bigger. Rioux, a Canadian phenom who currently plays for the Florida Gators, stands a towering 7-foot-9. That isn't a typo. He is eight inches taller than Shaq.
When they finally met, Shaq did what Shaq does. He made a bit of it. In a video that went everywhere, Shaq is seen looking up—way up—at the teenager. You could see the genuine "wait, is this what everyone else feels like?" look on Shaq's face.
Honestly, it’s rare to see Shaq lose the "tallest guy in the room" crown. He’s lived his whole life as a giant among men. Then comes this kid from Quebec who treats the rim like a low-hanging fruit basket.
Why Olivier Rioux Is Different
Most people that tall have mobility issues. We’ve seen it with other giants like Robert Bobroczkyi. But Rioux is actually a basketball player. He’s not just a statue.
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- Height: 7 feet 9 inches (236 cm).
- Weight: 305 pounds.
- The Guinness Factor: He was officially named the world's tallest teenager at age 15. Back then, he was "only" 7-foot-5.
- The Family Tree: His dad is 6-foot-8, his mom is 6-foot-2, and his brother is 6-foot-9. It’s basically a family of skyscrapers.
Seeing Olivier Rioux next to Shaq puts the sheer scale of the Gators center into perspective. Shaq is a mountain. Rioux is the peak.
Is He Actually Any Good?
This is the question every scout asks. Height is great, but speed is what keeps you in the game. Rioux spent time at IMG Academy, which is basically a factory for pro athletes. He learned how to move. He’s not a track star, but he knows how to use his frame.
In the 2025-26 season for the Florida Gators, he’s been a project. He redshirted his first year (2024-25) just to get his body ready for the brutality of the SEC. You can't just be tall in college ball; you'll get pushed around by 6-foot-9 guys who are built like NFL linebackers.
His debut against North Florida in late 2025 was a massive deal. Even though he only played a few minutes, every time he touched the floor, the crowd went nuts. He doesn't even have to jump to dunk. He just kind of... places the ball in the hoop. It looks like he's playing on a Nerf hoop in a bedroom.
Comparing the "Bigs"
| Feature | Shaquille O'Neal | Olivier Rioux |
|---|---|---|
| Official Height | 7'1" | 7'9" |
| Shoe Size | 22 | Somewhere in the "custom made" stratosphere |
| Play Style | Power & Dominance | High-post facilitator & Rim protector |
Shaq was a force of nature. He was fast, explosive, and had the footwork of a dancer. Rioux is a different breed. He's more of a traditional "wall." If he’s standing in the paint, you aren’t scoring. Period.
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The Reality of Being 7-foot-9
It isn't all dunks and TikTok videos. Living at that height is a logistical nightmare.
Think about it. Doorways are usually 6-foot-8. Rioux has to duck for every single door he enters. Cars? Forget about it. He needs custom everything. When he traveled to Cuba for a family vacation, people lined up just to stand next to him.
He’s handled the fame well, though. He’s used to the "How tall are you?" questions. He’s been answering them since he was 6-foot-1 in the second grade.
When you see Olivier Rioux next to Shaq, you’re seeing the evolution of the sport. We used to think 7 feet was the limit for "functional" height. Then came Victor Wembanyama at 7-foot-4 with guard skills. Now we have Rioux, who makes Wembanyama look like a shooting guard.
What’s Next for the Giant?
The NBA is the goal, obviously. But the road is tough. The league is faster than it’s ever been. If you can’t guard a pick-and-roll at the top of the key, you’re a liability.
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Rioux is working on that. Florida’s coaching staff has him on a rigorous conditioning program. They aren't trying to make him a sprinter; they’re trying to make him durable.
Whether he makes the league or not, that photo of him and Shaq will live forever in basketball lore. It’s the ultimate "passing of the torch" for giants. Shaq might be the King, but even Kings have to look up sometimes.
How to Follow the Journey
If you want to keep up with the tallest player in college basketball history, here is what you should do:
- Watch Florida Gators Home Games: Even if he doesn't start, the "Rioux Watch" is a real thing.
- Check FIBA Stats: He’s a staple for the Canadian National Team (Junior levels). He’s been dominant in international play because, frankly, most European and South American teams have no answer for a 7-foot-9 human.
- Ignore the Hype, Watch the Footwork: If you see him getting better at sliding his feet on defense, that’s when you know he’s a serious pro prospect.
The novelty of the height gets people in the door. The skill is what will keep him on the court. For now, we can just marvel at the fact that someone finally made Shaq look like the little brother.