The Florida Gators are gearing up for another run at the national title in the 2025-26 college basketball season. After capturing last year’s championship, head coach Todd Golden is looking to lead the program to back-to-back titles for the second time in school history. One key figure who could factor into that effort is Olivier Rioux, a redshirt freshman who’s impossible to miss, literally.
Who is Olivier Rioux?
At 7-foot-9, Rioux holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest teenager. He’s been part of the Gators’ program but hadn’t yet taken the floor in a real game. That changed on an international stage this summer.
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Rioux suited up for Team Canada in the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup and faced off against Team USA in Friday’s quarterfinal game in Switzerland. Though Canada came up short in a tight 108-102 loss, Rioux made his presence known.
He started the game and played 12 minutes, finishing with three points on one-of-two shooting. He also grabbed two rebounds, blocked two shots, and came away with a steal. Foul trouble limited his time, as he picked up four personal fouls during the contest.
End of the Run for Rioux
With the loss, Canada’s tournament run has come to an end while the United States moves on to face New Zealand in the semifinals.
Rioux, a former three-star prospect from IMG Academy, appeared in five games during the World Cup. Across those contests, he tallied nine points and nine rebounds, giving fans a glimpse of what he could bring to the Gators this upcoming season.
While he may not be a featured player for Florida right away, his size and defensive impact could be useful in spurts as the Gators push for another title. With the summer tournament now behind him, Rioux will turn his full attention back to Gainesville as he prepares for his college debut.
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