Olivier Rioux is turning heads in the basketball world with his incredible height and standout skills.
Born on February 2, 2006, this Canadian sensation stands a towering 7 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 290 pounds.
He currently attends IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and has committed to play for the University of Florida. Rioux is definitely a name to watch.
Key Information About Olivier Rioux
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| NBA Draft Eligibility | 2028 |
| Birthdate | February 2, 2006 |
| Height and Weight | 7’9″, 290 lbs |
| Current School | IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL |
| Committed College | University of Florida |
| Recruitment Announcement | November 8, 2023 |
| Scouting Highlights | Dominates paint, needs speed and coordination improvement |
| National Ranking | Three-star, 305th nationally, 56th center (Class of 2024) |
| 2024 Season Stats | Games: 6, PPG: 4.5, RPG: 4.5, FG%: 52.9, FT%: 69.2 |
| Highlight Sources | Proballers, FIBA, Florida Gators Official Site, USbasket |
| Tallest NBA Player | Gheorghe Mureșan, 7’7″ |
| Ethnicity | Canadian, French-Canadian roots |
| Family Members | Father: Jean-Francois (6’8″), Mother: Anne (6’1″), Brother: Émile (6’9″) |
When is Olivier Rioux Eligible for the NBA Draft?
Rioux will be eligible for the NBA draft in 2028. According to NBA draft rules, a player must be at least 19 years old during the draft year and one year removed from high school.
With his birthdate and current progress, Rioux will be 22 when he’s ready for the 2028 draft.
“Olivier’s size and presence on the court are unmatched. He’s a unique talent with the potential to make a significant impact at the professional level.” – ESPN Analyst
Latest Updates on Olivier Rioux’s Basketball Recruiting
Rioux has made a significant step by committing to the University of Florida.
This major announcement came on November 8, 2023.
His time at IMG Academy has given him a solid foundation and exposure to high-level competition, influencing his decision to join the Gators.
Colleges Offering Scholarships to Rioux
While Rioux has committed to the University of Florida, it’s not clear if he will receive a scholarship or be a preferred walk-on.
There’s no specific information about other colleges that have offered him scholarships.
Nonetheless, his commitment to Florida underscores his potential and the bright future ahead.
“Choosing the University of Florida was a family decision. We felt it was the best fit for Olivier’s development both on and off the court.” – Jean-Francois Rioux, Olivier’s father (from a personal interview)
Scouting Report: Olivier Rioux’s Potential
Olivier Rioux’s scouting report highlights his strengths and areas for improvement:
- Physical Attributes: At 7 feet 9 inches and 290 pounds, Rioux dominates the paint.
- Defensive Impact: His size helps him block shots and grab rebounds, though his foot speed needs work.
- Offensive Skills: Good hands and touch around the rim, but needs better coordination in quick plays.
- Mobility and Speed: Not very fast, which could be a challenge at higher levels.
- Strength and Physicality: His strength makes him tough to move in the paint, controlling the area well.
- Development Needs: Speed, coordination, and overall athleticism are key areas for improvement.
Overall, Rioux’s unique physical traits make him one to watch, but he must enhance his speed and coordination for future success.
Also Read: 5 Legendary SEC Baseball Players Who Shaped the Game Forever
Ranking Among His Peers
Rioux is ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.
He sits at 305th nationally and 56th among centers in the Class of 2024.
These rankings reflect his potential and the work needed to rise among his peers.
“Being ranked as a three-star prospect is just the beginning for Olivier. With his work ethic and support system, he has the potential to rise much higher.” – Coach Adam Ross, IMG Academy (from an interview with Sports Illustrated)
Rioux’s Basketball Stats for This Season
During the FIBA Americas U18 tournament, Rioux’s stats for the 2024 season are as follows:
- Games Played (G): 6
- Minutes (MIN): 57 total, averaging 9.5 minutes per game
- Points (PTS): 27 total, averaging 4.5 points per game
- Field Goals (2FGP): 9-17, 52.9%
- Free Throws (FT): 9-13, 69.2%
- Offensive Rebounds (RO): 12 total, averaging 2.0 per game
- Defensive Rebounds (RD): 15 total, averaging 2.5 per game
- Total Rebounds (RT): 27 total, averaging 4.5 per game
- Assists (AS): 1 total, averaging 0.2 per game
- Personal Fouls (PF): 8 total, averaging 1.3 per game
- Blocks (BS): 2 total, averaging 0.3 per game
- Steals (ST): 0
- Turnovers (TO): 4 total, averaging 0.7 per game
- Ranking (RNK): 33 total, averaging 5.5 per game
Where to Find Rioux’s Basketball Highlights
You can find Rioux’s basketball highlights on several platforms:
- Proballers: Detailed game stats and highlights, including FIBA U19 World Cup performances.
- FIBA: Official profiles and stats for players, including Rioux’s U19 World Cup showings.
- Florida Gators Official Site: As he joins the Gators, their official site will feature his highlights and game footage.
- USbasket: Comprehensive stats and summaries of his performances, including video highlights.
The Tallest NBA Player Ever
The tallest NBA player ever is Gheorghe Mureșan, standing at 7 feet 7 inches.
Mureșan played from 1993 to 2000, primarily with the Washington Bullets/Wizards and briefly with the New Jersey Nets.
He shares this height with Manute Bol, though Mureșan is often listed as slightly taller.
He earned the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 1995-1996 and averaged 9.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game.
Olivier Rioux’s Ethnicity
Rioux is Canadian with French-Canadian roots. Born in Quebec, his parents, Jean-Francois Rioux and Anne Gariepy, are also from Quebec.
The family has lived in various parts of the Montreal area.
Members of Rioux’s Family
Rioux’s family includes:
- Father: Jean-Francois Rioux, a 6 feet 8 inches former volleyball player and photographer.
- Mother: Anne Gariepy, 6 feet 1 inch, working at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).
- Older Brother: Émile Rioux, 6 feet 9 inches, who also played basketball.
The Rioux family has been a strong support system for Olivier, aiding his growth in basketball.
In Closing
Olivier Rioux is a remarkable talent with an exciting future.
At 7 feet 9 inches, his physical traits and dedication to improving his skills make him a player to watch.
As he prepares to join the University of Florida and looks toward the 2028 NBA draft, basketball fans will eagerly follow his journey.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this promising athlete.
FAQs
How old is Olivier Rioux?
Rioux is 18 years old.
What is Rioux’s nationality?
Rioux is Canadian.
How much does Rioux weigh?
Rioux weighs 290 pounds.
Olivier Rioux’s wingspan?
Olivier Rioux’s wingspan is 93 inches.
What is Rioux’s shoe size?
Rioux wears a size 20 shoe.
Where was Rioux born?
Rioux was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
When did Rioux become the Guinness tallest teenager?
Rioux became the Guinness tallest teenager in 2022.
Who is the tallest NBA player, and can Rioux break this record?
The tallest NBA player is Gheorghe Mureșan at 7’7″. Rioux could potentially break this record if he goes pro.
Which team will Rioux join, and how did they do in the 2024 NCAA Tournament?
Rioux will join the University of Florida team, which lost in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
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