The college basketball transfer portal just got a lot… taller.
According to a report from On3’s Joe Tipton on Monday morning, Florida Basketball’s 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux is planning to enter the transfer portal when it opens up. Rioux has been with the Gators’ program for the last two seasons. He took a redshirt season during his first year on campus before playing 11 games with Florida this past season.
In those 11 games, Rioux scored seven points while bringing down six rebounds. He didn’t get a ton of playing time and averaged just 1.5 minutes per game during his appearances. Rioux recorded two points on three different occasions this season, including a win over Alabama and a win over Prarie View A&M in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He did not play in Florida’s win over Tennessee in January.
“After taking time to reflect on my journey and what’s best for my future, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal,” Rioux posted to X on Tuesday morning. “I want to start by thanking Coach Golden, Coach Hartman, and all my coaches for their belief in my abilities and the support I’ve received since I stepped on the campus of the University of Florida. Thank you for believing in me, for trusting me, and for pushing me to develop every single day. Your leadership and guidance have shaped me not only as a player, but as a man.”
7’9” freshman Olivier Rioux warming up 😳🤯
(via @osgators) pic.twitter.com/6sVxDnfOwN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 5, 2024
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In 2021, Guinness World Records listed Rioux as the World’s Tallest Teenager at 7-foot-5.33 when he was just 16 years old. By the time Rioux committed to Florida, he had shot up to 7-foot-7.5. After two seasons at Florida, the Canadian ballplayer was listed at 7-foot-9.
Rioux’s Guinness World Record biography (possibly outdated considering it was made when Rioux was 16) states that his father is 6-foot-8 and his brother is 6-foot-9, while his mother is 6-foot-2.
According to the Gators’ team website, Rioux averaged 3.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game across five games while competing in the 2023 U19 FIBA World Cup for Team Canada. While the Canadians never played against Team USA in the summer tournament, the Americans did have former Tennessee forward Tobe Awaka on their own roster.
Rioux was also a starter for Team Canada’s U19 squad at the World Cup last summer, according to Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman.
Rioux will be one of many players in the transfer portal this offseason, but it’s hard to imagine that anyone in the field will be taller than him.
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