Move over Wemby!
Olivier Rioux, a high school basketball sensation from Montreal, has been on a remarkable growth trajectory since his commitment to the University of Florida last year.
Rioux, who honed his skills at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, made his decision public last November.
Standing at an impressive 7-foot-6 at the time of his commitment, Rioux has continued to grow, now towering at 7-foot-9 according to the official website of the Florida Gators men’s basketball team.
The sight of Rioux on the court is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
His towering presence is so significant that it’s difficult to fully grasp the scale of his stature without seeing him in action. Rioux not only stands out due to his height but has also been recognized as the tallest teenager in the world, a title confirmed by the Guinness World Records.
Despite these physical advantages, Rioux is rated as a 3-star prospect.
Scouts have noted that his play can be somewhat uncoordinated and that his footwork does not quite match his enormous frame. Such observations are perhaps not unexpected, given that Rioux was already 6-foot-1 at the age of eight, and coordinating a rapidly growing body can be a challenge.
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As Rioux prepares to transition to college basketball, there is considerable curiosity about how his unique physical characteristics will translate on the court.
While it is uncertain whether he will dominate the college scene, one thing is clear: Rioux will undoubtedly stand head and shoulders above the rest, both literally and figuratively.
His development and adaptation to the collegiate level will be closely watched by basketball enthusiasts and scouts alike, eager to see how this towering young athlete evolves in the competitive arena.
