Purdue Lands 7-Foot-9 Canadian Center Olivier Rioux — The Tallest Player in College Basketball History
In a move that is sending waves across the college basketball landscape, Canadian basketball phenom Olivier Rioux has officially committed to Purdue University. Standing at an astonishing 7 feet 9 inches tall, Rioux is now recognized as the tallest player in college basketball history. His commitment adds even more size and intrigue to a Boilermakers program already known for producing elite big men.
The Quebec-born center has been on the national radar for several years, not only for his jaw-dropping height but for his developing skill set that has shown promise well beyond his physical stature. At just 19 years old, Rioux’s combination of sheer size, raw talent, and continued growth makes him one of the most fascinating prospects in the game today.
A Natural Fit for Purdue’s Big Man Tradition
Purdue has quietly built a reputation as one of the best programs in the country for developing dominant centers. The Boilermakers recently sent Zach Edey — another towering Canadian center who stands 7-foot-4 — to the NBA after a stellar college career that included two National Player of the Year awards. Edey’s evolution under head coach Matt Painter proved that Purdue has the blueprint for nurturing elite post players, especially those with unusual size.
Now, the torch is being passed to Rioux, who, like Edey, was often overlooked early in his career due to questions about agility, coordination, and whether his height would translate to success against top-level competition. But Edey’s success changed the narrative — and likely paved the way for Rioux to choose Purdue as his next basketball home.
Painter’s system, known for its discipline, smart half-court sets, and strong defensive principles, is ideal for a player like Rioux. It emphasizes high-IQ basketball and values bigs who can protect the rim, finish around the basket, and rebound with authority. Rioux may not be ready to dominate from day one, but in Purdue’s system, he’ll have the tools, coaching, and patience to grow at his own pace.
More Than Just Height
While Rioux’s unprecedented size understandably dominates headlines, his game has evolved beyond that of a novelty act. Over the past two years at IMG Academy in Florida — a well-regarded powerhouse for high school basketball talent — Rioux has made steady progress. He’s shown improved footwork, better coordination, and flashes of a soft shooting touch near the rim. His timing on shot-blocking has also improved, and he’s beginning to understand how to use his size more effectively without drawing unnecessary fouls.
“He’s not just tall — he’s learning how to play the game the right way,” said one high school scout. “Of course, there’s a long way to go, but you can’t teach 7-foot-9. And when you see the effort he puts into improving, it’s exciting.”
His mobility and conditioning remain areas of focus, and it’s likely that Purdue’s strength and performance staff will be working closely with him to develop his frame and stamina. But if Rioux can improve even modestly in those areas, he becomes a serious interior presence.
A Global Spotlight
Rioux has long been something of a global sensation. At age 12, he stood over 6-foot-10 and quickly went viral in basketball circles as the “world’s tallest teenager.” As he continued to grow, he drew international attention not just for his size, but for his poise and humility. Despite the media frenzy, Rioux has remained grounded, committed to improving, and focused on achieving success on the court.
His decision to commit to Purdue instantly elevates the national spotlight on the program, drawing attention from fans and media across North America and beyond. The Boilermakers were already considered contenders for the 2025–26 season, and while Rioux may not start immediately, his presence alone will make Purdue one of the most talked-about teams in the country.
The Road Ahead
It’s important to temper expectations in the short term. Rioux is still a developmental player and will need time to adjust to the speed, physicality, and complexity of the college game. But Purdue offers him the perfect environment — a proven system, excellent coaching, and a track record of turning raw bigs into elite contributors.
Whether Rioux becomes a dominant force in college basketball or serves as a valuable rotational piece, his journey is already one of the most unique in the sport. The tallest player in the history of NCAA basketball now has a home in West Lafayette, and fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next.
For Purdue, it’s another big — literally and figuratively — step toward sustained excellence. For Rioux, it’s the next chapter in a remarkable story that’s still being written.
Be the first to comment