The Florida Gators are gearing up for another run at the national title in the 2025-26 college basketball season. Fresh off an exhilarating championship victory this past year, head coach Todd Golden is on a mission to lead the program to back-to-back titles, a feat only achieved once in the school’s illustrious history. A key player to keep an eye on in this quest for glory is Olivier Rioux, a standout redshirt freshman whose size makes him impossible to overlook—quite literally.
Who is Olivier Rioux?
Standing at a staggering 7-foot-9, Olivier Rioux has made headlines as the tallest teenager in the world, officially recognized by the Guinness World Records. While he has been training with the Gators, he hadn’t yet made his mark in a competitive game until recently. This summer, he took his talents to the international stage, representing Team Canada in the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, where he showcased his potential and skill set.
International Experience at FIBA
Rioux’s journey began with promising moments in Switzerland, where he faced off against Team USA in a high-stakes quarterfinal matchup. Although Canada ultimately fell short with a narrow score of 108-102, Rioux’s performance was noteworthy. He started the game, contributing three points on one-of-two shooting, paired with two rebounds, two blocked shots, and a steal in just 12 minutes of play. Unfortunately, foul trouble hindered his availability, as he was forced to sit out much of the game after accumulating four personal fouls.
Stats and Impact
Over the course of the FIBA Under-19 tournament, Rioux played in five games, accumulating a total of nine points and nine rebounds. These statistics, while modest, offer a promising glimpse into what fans might expect from him as the college season approaches. His unique combination of height and agility gives him the potential to significantly impact games, especially defensively, where he can contest shots and alter opposing players’ strategies.
The Future for Rioux and Florida Gators
As Rioux returns to Gainesville following the conclusion of the international tournament, his focus will shift entirely to his new chapter with the Gators. While he may not become the focal point of Florida’s offense immediately, his size and defensive prowess could provide invaluable support in critical moments as the Gators chase after another national title. The coaching staff will likely find ways to integrate him into the game plan, capitalizing on his unique attributes to bolster both their defense and rebounding efforts on the court.
Gators’ Championship Aspirations
The Gators’ ambitions for the upcoming season are rooted in their solid foundation of talent and skill, and Rioux’s addition could serve as a game-changer. With a roster filled with veterans and young talents alike, Florida is well poised to make a deep run this season. Coaches and fans alike are keenly anticipating how Rioux, with his rare height and developing skill set, will evolve into a pivotal player as the season progresses.
As the summer draws to a close and the school year begins, excitement builds not only for Rioux’s collegiate debut but also for the overall potential of the Florida Gators. The path back to the top will undoubtedly be challenging, but with players like Olivier Rioux on the roster, the Gators may just be able to defy the odds once again in their pursuit of championship glory.