The Tallest Player in College Basketball History Just Left Florida, and the Transfer Portal Got Weird
Olivier Rioux, the tallest college basketball player ever at 7-foot-9, announced he is transferring out of the University of Florida. The 20-year-old made the announcement on Instagram, and yeah, it is a big deal. When you are literally the tallest player in NCAA history, programs around the country are going to come calling hard.
What Rioux Said on the Way Out
In his Instagram post, Rioux thanked his Florida coaches for "believing in me, for trusting me, and for pushing me to develop every single day." He also acknowledged the trainers, managers, and support staff who helped him during his time with the Gators. Rioux said he took time "to reflect on my jersey and what's best for my future," which is code for: I'm exploring my options and seeing who wants a 7-foot-9 center.
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Rioux came to Florida from Quebec, Canada, and made an immediate impact. He reflected on his time in Gainesville with genuine gratitude. "It's truly hard to put into words what these last two years and this experience has meant to me," Rioux wrote. "From being raised in the province of Quebec back home in Canada, to representing this incredible program, wearing these colors and competing at the highest level has been one of the greatest honors of my life."
The centerpiece of his Florida run was winning the national championship last year. "Winning the national championship last year was a dream come true for all of us," he posted. "It's something we worked for every single day, and to experience that moment together is something I will cherish forever." That is the kind of championship moment that sticks with you forever, and Rioux is taking those memories with him wherever he lands next.
What Comes Next
This is one of the biggest names hitting the transfer portal this offseason. With Rioux's size and championship pedigree, expect serious interest from major programs looking to build around a generational talent. The question now is where the tallest player in college basketball history ends up next.
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