At the University of Florida, freshman Olivier Rioux's height grabs attention. Globally, it garners records. At 7 feet, 9 inches, he claims the title of the world's tallest teenager in the Guinness Book of World Records. The Canadian, affectionately dubbed "Oli," is poised to make history in college basketball as the tallest player ever, beating the record of Kenny George, who brought his 7-foot-7 stature to the court for UNC Asheville (2006-08). As the Gators prepare for their season opener Monday night against USF, Rioux is expected to captivate fans, with Coach Todd Golden noting, "About 95% of my conversations with random people about our team are about him."
Rioux's presence is something his teammates have grown accustomed to. His stature surpasses notable basketball figures like Yao Ming and Tacko Fall by several inches. Of the constant attention, Rioux says, "Talking to people is nice because they are curious, and you can't change that." His college experience is peppered with challenges, from ducking through doorways to squeezing into classroom desks, yet he remains unfazed by the daily spectrum of inquiries and photo requests.
Having honed his skills at IMG Academy and played in FIBA events, Rioux is seen as a promising project for the Gators. He has improved swiftly in mobility and conditioning, and although not expected to be an immediate star, his potential is there. Coach Golden expresses optimism about Rioux's future, emphasizing his coachability and the unique capabilities he brings to the court. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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