Former Gators center Olivier Rioux picks his new school
Former Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux, who gained fame for his height, has found a new home. Rioux on Thursday committed to UC Irvine via his Instagram page.
Rioux, at 7-foot-9, is the tallest player in college basketball history. He announced his plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal on March 31.
Rioux is a native of Canada who finished his high school career at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. He spent two seasons with the Gators.
During UF’s 2024-25 national championship campaign, Rioux was redshirted to work on “strength, conditioning and agility” per his official Gators bio. He did not compete in any games.
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This past season, Rioux saw action in 11 games, mostly in mop-up time when the Gators had big leads late. He finished with seven total points and six rebounds.
When Rioux made his debut for the Gators last Nov. 6 against UNF, he became the tallest player in college basketball history. In a Dec. 17 win over Saint Francis, he made his first college field goal, a dunk in the final seconds of the game.
On March 20 in UF’s 114-55 win over Prairie View A&M in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Rioux became the tallest player to appear in the Big Dance.
Wrote Zach Abolverdi of Gators Online:
With over eight minutes left in the second-largest blowout in tournament history, the “we want Ol-lie!” chants started from the pro-UF crowd of 20,112.
With 1:57 left, Todd Golden called on Rioux to check into the game and Florida’s bench — and fans — erupted. But that initial celebration would pale in comparison to their reaction when he became the tallest player to score in an NCAA Tournament game.
Rioux had multiple chances on his first possession. He missed a layup, grabbed his own rebound and then had his tip-in attempt blocked.
The Gators had another offensive board to keep the ball, and Viktor Mikic missed an open 3-pointer. Then the magic happened. Rioux snagged Florida’s third offensive rebound of the possession and slammed it home. It was his third field goal of the season.
“I just saw a wide-open dunk,” Rioux said. “It’s always amazing to score.”