BRADENTON (WSNN) – The IMG Academy basketball varsity team has a lot of talent, but one person stands out.
At over 7 feet, 5 inches, the Guinness World Records confirmed Oliver Rioux as the tallest teen in the world.
“It was like sheesh I got this!” Rioux said.
But this is no surprise to him as height runs in his family.
“It’s normal for me because I’ve been taller since I was young,” Rioux said. My mom is 6′2″, my dad is 6’8” and my brother is 6’9.””
Rioux grew up in Canada, and noticed his rapid growth at a young age.
“At 12 years old, I was looking at my friends and how I was taller than them,” Rioux said.
Rioux says he’s always had a passion for hoops.
“The most important thing is he loves basketball,” IMG Academy Head Varsity Coach Jeremy Schiller said. “So once we were able to talk and I was able to see his work ethic, you know you realize this is going to be an exciting opportunity to work with the next great players in the world.”
While he’s bigger than everyone else, Schiller is training Rioux to reach his full potential.
“The first thing you are is a little nervous about can he move?” Schiller questioned. “Can he play? Those questions were answered very quickly. Olly has not only a great ability to move, he has a nice skillset. He had some development prior to being here.”
Coach Schiller says Rioux potential goes beyond his height.
“I think the sky is the limit,” Schiller said. “I don’t want to create a ceiling for Olly that’s artificial. He has an opportunity to be as good as he wants to be.”
Rioux says he would like to go pro one day. And his hobbies include music and drawing.
