Tallest ever college basketball player at 7′ 9″, Olivier Rioux, with 6′ 9″ Tyler Bergantino
Meta Title: Meet 7’9″ Olivier Rioux – The Tallest College Basketball Player Ever & 6’9″ Phenom Tyler Bergantino
Meta Description: Discover Olivier Rioux, the 7’9″ Florida Gators commit and tallest college basketball player ever, alongside 6’9″ Tyler Bergantino. Learn how their height reshapes the game!
The Tallest Duo in College Basketball: Olivier Rioux (7’9”) and Tyler Bergantino (6’9”) Redefine Height in the Game
College basketball is witnessing a historic moment with the arrival of Olivier Rioux, the tallest college basketball player ever at 7 feet, 9 inches, and his teammate Tyler Bergantino, a towering 6-foot-9 center with an underdog story. This record-breaking pair is turning heads not just for their extraordinary physical attributes but for their potential to redefine defense, rebounding, and the very limits of athleticism in the sport.
Olivier Rioux: The 7’9″ Phenom Breaking Records Before His College Debut
Who Is Olivier Rioux?
Olivier Rioux, a Canadian-born center, has officially become the tallest player in NCAA basketball history after committing to the University of Florida Gators in 2024. At 7 feet 9 inches tall (2.36 meters), he surpasses previous record-holders like Tacko Fall (7’6″) and Sim Bhullar (7’5″). Born in 2006, Rioux has been a viral sensation since childhood due to his extraordinary growth spurts.
Key Stats & Highlights:
- Height: 7’9″ (97 inches)
- Weight: 290 lbs (and growing)
- Standing Reach: Estimated 10’7″ (no jump needed to dunk)
- Shoe Size: 20 (US)
- High School: IMG Academy (Florida), where he dominated the paint with unparalleled shot-blocking skills.
The Science Behind His Growth
Rioux comes from a family of exceptional height—his father stands 6’8” and his mother 6’2”—but his rapid growth has been astonishing. By age 8, he was already 6’1”. Doctors attribute his stature to a genetic condition rather than a hormonal imbalance, making him a natural fit for basketball despite concerns about mobility and joint health.
Impact on the Florida Gators
Coach Todd Golden has called Rioux a “once-in-a-generation defensive weapon.” The Gators plan to use him as a rim-protecting specialist, leveraging his ability to:
- Block shots with ease (his wingspan eclipses the rim).
- Alter opposing offenses—drivers avoid the paint entirely when he’s on the floor.
- Rebound at a historic rate (even misses near the rim become easy putbacks for him).
Challenges Ahead
While Rioux’s height is an asset, experts note potential hurdles:
- Stamina & Mobility: Can he keep up with faster-paced offenses?
- Injury Risk: Players his height often face foot/back issues (see Yao Ming, Tacko Fall).
- Skill Development: Improving footwork and post moves will be crucial for NBA scouts.
Tyler Bergantino: The 6’9″ Walk-On Proving Height Isn’t Everything
From Walk-On to Key Contributor
At 6’9”, Tyler Bergantino may seem “average” next to Rioux, but his journey at the University of Rhode Island is equally compelling. After starting as a walk-on in 2023, Bergantino earned a scholarship through sheer hustle, embodying the grit that defines college basketball’s unsung heroes.
Why Bergantino Stands Out:
- Relentless Rebounding: Averaged 4.5 boards in just 12 minutes per game in 2023-24.
- High IQ Defense: Uses positioning and timing to compensate for a modest wingspan.
- Team Leadership: Praised by coaches for his work ethic and locker-room presence.
Bergantino vs. Rioux: A Study in Contrasts
While Rioux dominates with sheer size, Bergantino thrives on skill and effort:
| Trait | Olivier Rioux (7’9″) | Tyler Bergantino (6’9″) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Rim Protector, Lob Threat | Energy Big, Defensive Anchor |
| Scoring | Dunk/Layup Specialist | Mid-Range Shooter, Putbacks |
| NBA Potential | High Ceiling (If Health Holds) | G-League/Upside Project |
How Height Is Changing College Basketball
Rioux and Bergantino represent two extremes of how size impacts modern basketball:
- Rioux’s Extreme Height: Forces teams to abandon traditional post play. Analysts predict “5-out” offenses (all shooters) will rise to pull him away from the rim.
- Bergantino’s Versatility: Proves that effort and IQ can overcome physical limitations, inspiring shorter bigs.
The Future of Giants in the NCAA
Rioux’s arrival signals a trend toward recruiting ultra-tall prospects for defensive disruption. Meanwhile, Bergantino’s rise highlights basketball’s enduring need for role players who do the “dirty work.” Together, they showcase how diverse paths lead to success in college hoops.
Key Takeaways for Fans & Recruiters
- Olivier Rioux is poised to break NCAA shot-blocking records but must refine his skills for NBA relevance.
- Tyler Bergantino epitomizes how undervalued walk-ons can become program cornerstones.
- Defense Wins Games: Both prove that commanding the paint is still vital in a perimeter-driven era.
Whether anchoring the paint for the Gators or grinding for Rhode Island, Rioux and Bergantino remind us that basketball excellence comes in all sizes—even when those sizes are taller (or shorter) than the rest.
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