7-Foot-9 Rioux Enters NCAA Transfer Portal After Florida Stint

Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 center recognized as the tallest player in college basketball history, announced Tuesday that he is entering the NCAA transfer portal after two seasons with the University of Florida, seeking greater playing opportunities as a third-year sophomore.

The 20-year-old Canadian from Terrebonne, Quebec, shared his decision in an Instagram post, expressing gratitude for his time with the Gators while reflecting on his limited role. "After taking time to reflect on my journey and what's best for my future, I've decided to enter the transfer portal," Rioux wrote. He thanked head coach Todd Golden and associate head coach Carlin Hartman for "believing in me, for trusting me, and for pushing me to develop every single day," along with trainers, managers, support staff, teammates and Gator Nation fans. Rioux highlighted the national championship the team won during his redshirt freshman year in 2024-25 as "a dream come true" and noted that the experience had been "one of the greatest honors of my life."

Rioux arrived at Florida in 2024 already holding a Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager. His height surpasses that of former NBA stars Gheorghe Muresan...