World's tallest teen makes basketball history - NBC News

[TexasTowelie]

Olivier Rioux measures seven-foot-nine, playing center for the Florida Gators. It makes him the tallest college basketball player ever. NBC News’ Jesse Kirsch reports.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. Finally, someone taller than Barron Trump and James Comey. NT

[hlthe2b]

2. I sure as hell hope he's been thoroughly screened by a cardiologist/geneticist...

Because at that overwhelmingly unusual height, among the first worries I'd have is Marfan Syndrome, but there are other risks for potentially fatal heart arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation.

Not trying to be a downer on this young man's future, but he needs to be thoroughly assessed (receive early intervention, if necessary) and monitored if he has not already been.

[TexasTowelie]

3. I knew someone with Marfan Syndrome,

but unfortunately he died in an auto accident in Austin when he was 17 years old.

[hlthe2b]

4. The very characteristic long hands and fingers are also present in a lot of basketball players so, only a full

echo and other cardiac work-up can diagnose.

'Sorry about your friend... Tragedy compounded.

[ProfessorGAC]

5. I Knew A Guy That Died Due To Marfans

17 years old.
Illinois player of the year as a junior.
6'10" and still growing; the physique of an adult; great footwork; nice touch with a jump hook; and a smart kid, so the game ran slowly for him.
Collapsed in the locker room showers after practice, right around this time of year, in 1973.
Was supposed to go to Georgetown.
He was the only guy I ever played against that I was 100% would end up in the NBA.
But, in those days there were no tests, genetic or otherwise, to detect the syndrome. The only way they ID'd it was during an autopsy. That's how they knew how Flo Hyman died during a volleyball game.
This kid is nearly a foot taller, so the risk is greater. Like you, I hope they've done the testing.