5 tallest men's college basketball freshmen entering 2024-25 season ft. Olivier Rioux 

Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, Liam McNeeley and Tre Johnson are some of the most promising freshmen entering the 2024-25 college basketball circuit.

However, Olivier Rioux, the 18-year-old Canadian center, is standing out behind a historic feat. Rioux has recently signed with the Florida Gators and is listed as 7-foot-9, making him the tallest player in college basketball history.

The insight adds another layer to the college hoops dynamic, which saw plenty of personnel changes this offseason. Here's a closer look at the tallest freshmen set to enter the 2024-25 college basketball season.

5 tallest men's college basketball freshmen in 2024-25 season

#1. Olivier Rioux, Florida Gators (7-foot-9)

Olivier Rioux is a three-star recruit and comes to Florida after spending three years at the IMG Academy. He was given the title of tallest teenager in the world in 2020 and committed to the Gators in November 2023. However, he was listed as 7-foot-6 at the time. Rioux also has age-restricted international experience for team Canada with the latest stint being FIBA U18 AmeriCup.

If Olivier Rioux can successfully transition to the NBA in the coming years, he could be the tallest basketball player in the league's history. Currently, Manute Bol and Gheorghe Muresan stand as the most towering NBA players at 7-foot-7, while Boban Marjanović, Victor Wembanyama and Bol Bol are the tallest active players.

#2. Daniel Jacobsen, Purdue Boilermakers (7-foot-3)

The Brewster Academy pass-out, just like Rioux, brings age-restricted international experience through the FIBA U18 Americup. Despite seeing limited time on the court, Jacobsen promises to be a quick learner and a fast-rising player for Purdue.

He has good mobility for his tall frame and already understands the timing and positioning aspects of protecting the basket. While there is room for improvement in his shooting, his soft touch inside the paint radiates that it will not be a tough transition for the Purdue Boilermakers commit.

#3. Trent Burns, Missouri Tigers (7-foot-3)

Trent Burns has the qualities of a modern-day center. He loved to find looks behind the arc and can knock down quick ones with respectable efficiency. However, he still has to develop tendencies to power through contact like a traditional big.

Nevertheless, his raw talent offers great potential and an opportunity for coaches to model his style without any restriction. He will suit up for the Missouri Tigers in the coming season and hopefully awe fans by swatting a few shots into the stands.

#4. Khaman Maluach, Duke Blue Devils (7-foot-1)

Hailing as an NBA Academy Africa student, Khaman Maluach is the top prospect when it comes to the tallest college players entering the 2024 season. The five-star recruit brings athleticism at his size like no other.

He has quick feet, dependable mobility, is agile and can quickly change directions. He can use his size to control the paint on both ends of the floor and has a good flow to his 3-point shot.

Khaman Maluach visited the UCLA Bruins in late February but committed to the Duke Blue Devils nearly two weeks later.

#5. John Bol, Ole Miss Rebels (7-foot-1)

Just like Maluach, John Bol’s advantage comes from his athletic abilities, agility and movement on the court. He can protect the paint and can also keep up with players on the perimeter.

While he has yet to develop a balanced paint game, he can find angles and time well for putbacks and lobs. He will benefit from defensive fundamentals, however, has already has great shot-blocking instincts and defensive tendencies.

Nevertheless, he could be a monumental piece to a roster when pairing the void in his offensive arsenal with his athletic promise. John Bol committed to the Ole Miss Rebels for the 2024 season.