In Gainesville, Florida, Olivier Rioux, an extraordinarily tall young man standing at 7-foot-9, caught attention as he peered out of Florida’s practice facility door, having to bend slightly to fit. While interacting with Alberta, the Gators’ mascot, Rioux revealed plans for a TikTok collaboration, showcasing his burgeoning popularity. This 19-year-old Canadian center has become a focal point for Florida ahead of their participation in the NCAA Tournament, drawing global attention through numerous photos, videos, autographs, and interviews despite not yet playing on the court.
Rioux’s unique height has earned him a place in the Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager. He now aims to monetize his name, image, and likeness (NIL) in the U.S., an endeavor he is pursuing by applying for an O-1 visa. This visa is designated for individuals with exceptional talents or accomplishments in various domains. This path has precedence in the NCAA, allowing international students like Hansel Enmanuel, a former player with Northwestern State and now at Austin Peay, to profit from NIL agreements while studying in America. Enmanuel’s story and influence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have resulted in remarkable deals, though Rioux’s popularity has yet to reach such levels.
The expectation, however, is high that Rioux’s fame will increase significantly once he starts playing. Already a trending figure, Rioux humorously stood out when he effortlessly cut down net pieces flat-footed after Florida’s Southeast Conference Tournament victory. Despite the scale of potential deals, Rioux modestly acknowledges the financial prospects, expressing optimism about future opportunities. His presence was highlighted during a fundraising event, where his participation was announced in an upcoming “Gators at Sea Cruise,” generating excitement and substantial funding.
Despite his discomfort with sea travel, Rioux plans to embrace the adventure, potentially documenting the experience in a series tentatively titled “Ollie’s Adventures.” Anticipating challenges due to his stature — like cabin size and doorway height — Rioux maintains a sense of humor about the cruise. Beyond these adventures, a tryout with the Canadian national team post-March Madness looms ahead, a moment Rioux is preparing for with focused training on strength and agility, although his actual game time has been sparse.
Coach Todd Golden provided Rioux with the option to either play limited minutes as a non-scholarship player or to redshirt, preserving his eligibility for a future season. Rioux chose to redshirt, focusing on physical training and honing his skills. This decision underscores a long-term vision for Rioux’s role on the team, with Coach Golden emphasizing Rioux’s athletic progress and potential. While he continues to draw crowds eager for photo ops and autographs, the upcoming NCAA Tournament presents another opportunity for Rioux to enhance his public profile and secure future NIL deals. Excited for what’s to come, even with the prospect of media engagements involving mascot dances, Rioux confidently proclaims his readiness for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
