In the realm of college basketball, height has always been a prized asset. While skill, speed, and finesse are undeniably important, there’s something awe-inspiring about players who tower over their opponents. Throughout the history of Division I basketball, a select few players have stood head and shoulders above the rest, literally. These are the tallest college basketball players ever to grace the hardwood, the giants who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
The Arrival of Olivier Rioux
The newest addition to this exclusive club of towering titans is Olivier Rioux, a freshman at the University of Florida. Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Rioux measures an astonishing 7 feet 9 inches tall, making him the tallest player in college basketball today. Before his arrival in Gainesville, Rioux honed his skills at IMG Academy in Florida, where he earned the distinction of being named the World’s Tallest Teenager by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Rioux’s height is undeniably impressive, but it’s his potential impact on the court that has fans and analysts buzzing. With his incredible reach and ability to alter shots, Rioux could be a defensive force for the Gators. However, like many exceptionally tall players, he will likely face challenges in terms of mobility and endurance. As he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the college game, all eyes will be on this Canadian giant to see how he fares against the best competition in the nation.
Giants of the Past
While Rioux is the latest addition to the pantheon of tallest college players, he’s certainly not the first. In fact, he joins a rich lineage of giants who have left their mark on the sport. Here are some of the most notable:
- Kenny George (7’7″, UNC Asheville, 2006-2008)
- Tacko Fall (7’6″, UCF, 2015-2019)
- Mamadou Ndiaye (7’6″, UC Irvine, 2013-2016)
- Shawn Bradley (7’6″, BYU, 1990-1991)
- Yao Ming (7’6″, Shanghai Sharks, 1997-2002)
- Manute Bol (7’7″, University of Bridgeport, 1984-1985)
- Gheorghe Mureșan (7’7″, Cluj University, 1990-1993)
Each of these players faced unique challenges and enjoyed varying degrees of success at the collegiate level. Some, like Tacko Fall and Manute Bol, went on to have impactful NBA careers, while others, like Kenny George, saw their basketball journeys cut short by injury or other circumstances. Regardless of their individual outcomes, these towering figures forever changed the way we think about size in basketball.
The Ralph Sampson Era
No discussion of tall college basketball players would be complete without mentioning Ralph Sampson. Standing 7’4″ tall, Sampson was a dominant force at the University of Virginia from 1979 to 1983. He led the Cavaliers to an NIT championship and an NCAA Final Four appearance, earning three Naismith College Player of the Year awards along the way.
Sampson’s impact went beyond just his height. He was a skilled and versatile player, able to score from the post, run the floor, and even handle the ball like a guard. His battles with fellow big man Patrick Ewing of Georgetown are the stuff of college basketball legend. While injuries derailed his professional career, Sampson’s collegiate accomplishments cement his status as one of the greatest tall players in the history of the sport.
The Rise of Zach Edey
In recent years, another giant has emerged to capture the attention of college basketball fans: Zach Edey. The 7’4″ center from Canada made an immediate impact at Purdue University, earning Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors in 2021. Edey’s size and strength make him a formidable presence in the paint, and his improving skill set suggests he could be a dominant force in the years to come.
Like Rioux, Edey hails from Canada, a country that has produced its fair share of tall basketball talents over the years. As he continues to develop under the tutelage of Purdue coach Matt Painter, Edey has the potential to join the pantheon of legendary big men who have left their mark on the college game.
The Enduring Allure of Height
In a sport where the objective is to put a ball through a hoop ten feet off the ground, it’s no surprise that height has always been a coveted attribute. Tall players can alter shots, grab rebounds, and score over smaller defenders with ease. However, as the game has evolved, so too have the expectations for big men.
“The game has changed a lot. Back in the day, it was just give the big man the ball and let him go to work. Now, you’ve got to be able to do a little bit of everything.”
– Shaquille O’Neal, 4-time NBA Champion and 15-time All-Star
In today’s game, even the tallest players are expected to have a degree of skill and finesse to complement their size. Olivier Rioux and Zach Edey will face the challenge of not just being tall, but also developing their all-around games to meet the demands of modern basketball.
Nevertheless, the allure of the towering giant on the basketball court endures. As long as there are hoops to shoot at and rebounds to be grabbed, there will always be a place in the game for the tallest of the tall. And as Olivier Rioux prepares to make his mark at the University of Florida, fans and analysts alike will be watching with bated breath to see if he can join the pantheon of legendary giants who have come before him.
