GAINESVILLE — For the Florida Gators, redshirt freshman Olivier Rioux is not just a player; he’s a towering figure in the sport, quite literally standing at 7-foot-9. As the world’s tallest teenager, the 19-year-old Canadian is embarking on a unique journey—transforming from a mere curiosity into a valuable contributor for the Gators. While the path ahead is steep, the potential for greatness is undeniable.
Gators head coach Todd Golden has high hopes for Rioux, especially considering the success of last season’s reigning SEC and national champions. If the Gators find themselves cutting down nets again in 2026, Rioux will be right there—scissors in hand, ready to celebrate a milestone, just as he did during the previous postseason. However, before that moment can arrive, he’ll need to carve out a role on the court, which could be a challenge given the depth of the team.
“He’s arguably the most unique prospect in college,” Golden noted, emphasizing the one-of-a-kind nature of Rioux’s talent. Standing at 7-foot-7 ½ without shoes, he embodies a different category of player—a talent that comes with its own set of challenges and growth opportunities. “Both our program and he understand that it’s a long road for him, because he’s different. His best basketball might be down the road,” Golden added sagely.
Rioux is currently honing his skills with Canada’s U-19 team as he gears up for summer workouts with the Gators, set to kick off soon. His focus during this developmental period will be on essential areas like conditioning, coordination, and bettering his change of direction—attributes that come naturally to many of his teammates but require diligent effort for him.
“He’s made great strides in his ability to run. His hands are better, and he has a better feel for the game than you might expect,” Golden observed. However, he also candidly mentioned that Rioux’s lack of explosiveness and difficulties with jumping and directional changes are areas that need improvement. “If he can keep enhancing those skills, there’s a chance for him down the road,” Golden said, acknowledging the uncertainties while remaining hopeful. “It’s not a guarantee, but it’s not a zero either.”
Bringing Rioux to Gainesville as a preferred walk-on carries its risks and rewards. With a sturdy front court already in place, the Gators offer Rioux the luxury of time to develop without the pressure of immediate competition. Still, on a campus bustling with 55,000 students and competing for attention in a sports-minded town, standing out is inevitable. Known by his teammates as “Oli,” Rioux has embraced the spotlight with both confidence and kindness.
“It’s really weird looking up to someone,” chuckled fellow Gators center Micah Handlogten, who stands at 7-foot-1. “Normally, people come to me and ask if I play basketball. But with Oli, everyone just looks up to him. It’s kinda crazy.” Handlogten’s respect for Rioux is evident, noting how the young center isn’t one to shy away from attention or expectations.
Rioux hails from a family of tall individuals—his mother at 6-foot-2, his father 6-foot-8, and a 6-foot-9 older brother—so he has been acquainted with height from an early age. This familiarity eventually led him to the sport, and after stints at IMG Academy, he found himself at UF.
Fans are already eagerly anticipating the moment Rioux steps onto the court, especially considering he’ll be eligible to play in the 2025-26 season. The excitement is palpable, and supporters are sure to call for his name, even in the later stages of games when the outcome is decided.
However, getting on the court won’t be a straightforward task. Rioux possesses an uncanny ability to dunk without even taking off the ground, showcasing athleticism that leaves both coaches and teammates wide-eyed in disbelief. “When he gets in practice sometimes, he’ll just grab the ball over Condo (Alex Condon) and dunk it,” Golden expressed, visibly impressed. “You’re like, ‘Wow. Nobody else can do that.’”
Nevertheless, Rioux faces stiff competition in a front court that is shaping up to be one of the strongest in college basketball. Condon has opted to return for a third season after withdrawing from the NBA draft, alongside starting center Rueben Chinyelu, a 6-foot-10, 260-pound powerhouse who also chose to remain in college. Flash forward to the 7-foot-1 Handlogten’s return—an inspiring comeback just 11 months after a severe leg injury suffered in the 2024 SEC Tournament—and it’s clear that playing time will be at a premium.
“We still have a great front court in front of him,” Golden reiterated. “It’s the reality of the situation. It’s gonna be hard for him to beat out those guys.”
Despite the challenges, Rioux’s arrival marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in his basketball career. With the objective of personal development at the forefront, Golden hopes to see meaningful progress throughout the year, ultimately determining if Rioux can earn a spot in the Gators’ rotation moving forward. “That should be his goal,” Golden concluded, setting the tone for what promises to be a fascinating journey for both Rioux and the Gators.
