Olivier Rioux: NCAA Tournament’s Towering Teen Makes Waves Off the Court

Gainesville, Florida – At 7-foot-9, Olivier Rioux is making headlines during the NCAA Tournament, even if he’s not making headlines on the court. The Florida Gators‘ center, who has redshirted his freshman season, gained widespread attention on Sunday when CBS Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson posted a photo standing next to him.

The image quickly went viral, showcasing Wolfson alongside Rioux, whose towering presence is hard to miss. Another photo in Wolfson’s post featured her next to Tacko Fall, the Gators’ former player, who is three inches shorter than Rioux. Social media users chimed in with humorous remarks about their heights, including one post that joked, “No way either of them can get on a plane.”

Rioux has become a notable figure this season, not just for his height but also for his decision to redshirt rather than take limited playing time. With this choice, Rioux aims to develop his skills and prepare for a greater role next season. “It’s been a process,” Rioux said. “I feel good about it. I feel like I’ve been doing a tremendous job in terms of lifting.”

Despite his limited playing time, Rioux captured attention during the SEC Tournament earlier this month. He was seen effortlessly cutting down a piece of the net after the Gators’ victory, eliciting cheers from fans and cheerleaders alike. At such an impressive height, Rioux was able to do so without the assistance of a ladder.

Rioux’s growth has been extraordinary; he reached 6-foot-1 by age 8 and was 6-foot-11 in sixth grade. He now holds the title of the world’s tallest teenager, which only amplifies the intrigue surrounding his future in college basketball.

As the Gators advance in the NCAA Tournament, fans are left eager to see how Rioux will contribute once he takes to the court next season. For now, he remains a delightful curiosity in the world of college sports, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.