World's Tallest Teenager Poised to Make College Basketball History

This record-breaking height isn’t new to Rioux—by the time he was 8 years old, he already towered over his peers, and by age 15, he was recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest teenager globally at 7 feet, 5 inches.

Now, the Quebec native hopes to leverage his towering presence into a promising basketball career, aiming for a potential future in the NBA. Signed as a “walk-on of choice,” Rioux will stand as the tallest player in NCAA basketball, surpassing the previous record-holder by two inches. However, Gators coach Todd Golden noted that while Rioux may not see significant playing time in his freshman season, his development is eagerly anticipated.

Growing up extraordinarily tall, Rioux has drawn attention both on and off the court. He shares that adjusting to constant public curiosity became a natural part of life due to his tall family background, with his father at 6’8, mother at 6’2, and older brother at 6’9. Reflecting on his visibility, Rioux even told Florida’s media team that if he could have a superpower, it would be “invisibility.”

From a young age, Rioux’s height made him a standout. He started playing internationally for the French Phenoms at age 12 and quickly gained admiration from NBA stars like Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, and Jamal Murray, who once requested a selfie with the young giant.

Prior to joining the Gators, Rioux played for Canada’s under-18 team, contributing to their bronze medal wins at the FIBA championships. As he embarks on his college journey, fans and coaches alike are excited to watch Rioux’s unique journey on the court unfold.