
Florida’s 7-foot-9 center Rioux enters transfer portal
Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 Florida center and the world's tallest basketball player, is transferring from Florida, with AP reporting the move on March 31, 2026.
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Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 Florida center and the world's tallest basketball player, is transferring from Florida, with AP reporting the move on March 31, 2026.

Florida's 7'9 center Olivier Rioux, the tallest player in March Madness history, has entered the NCAA transfer portal after two seasons with the Gators, with Purdue, Florida Atlantic and Arizona State listed as potential destinations for more playing time and development.

Florida rolled to a 59-point win over Prairie View A&M in the NCAA Tournament, roaring out with an 18-0 run and finishing with a dominant 27-6 stretch, a blowout that marked the second-largest margin in tournament history. The spectacle was amplified by Florida’s ultra-tall lineup, including 7'9" Olivier Rioux and 7'1" Micah Handlogten, as the game delivered circus-like flair alongside the rout.

Florida's 7-foot-9 center Rioux finally checked into the NCAA tournament game for the Gators in a dominant win over Prairie View A&M, grabbing an offensive rebound and dunking on his first meaningful touch as the crowd roared and teammates celebrated. The moment spotlighted Rioux's behind-the-scenes grind and the Gators' belief in their practice squad players, even as he remains a developmental piece focused on foot speed to contribute more in the future.

Florida's Olivier Rioux, at 7-foot-9, became the tallest player ever to appear in the NCAA Tournament, entering with 8 1/2 minutes left and adding a late put-back dunk in Florida's 114-55 win over Prairie View A&M. He finished with two rebounds and one assist in 1:54 of action, a milestone that highlights his development since redshirting last season and his ongoing presence on a very tall UF roster.

Olivier Rioux, the world's tallest teenager and a 7-foot-9 college basketball player for Florida, made his debut in a game against North Florida, becoming the tallest player in college basketball history and drawing significant attention and support from fans and teammates.
Olivier Rioux, the world's tallest teenager at 7-foot-9, made his college basketball debut for Florida, becoming the tallest player in college history and drawing significant attention and cheers from fans and teammates alike.

Olivier Rioux, the world's tallest teenager at 7-foot-9, made his college basketball debut for Florida, becoming the tallest player in college history and drawing significant attention and support from fans and teammates.

Olivier Rioux, standing at 7-9, became the tallest player in college basketball history during his debut for the Florida Gators, drawing significant attention and support from fans and teammates, and making a memorable impact despite limited playtime.

Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 Canadian center and Florida Gators recruit, showcased his talent in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup, helping Canada reach the quarterfinals before losing to the USA. He will now focus on contributing to Florida's quest for a second consecutive national championship in the 2025-26 season.

Olivier Rioux, an 18-year-old from Montreal, is set to become the tallest college basketball player ever at 7'9" as he joins the University of Florida's men's basketball team. Rioux, who was previously the tallest teenager in the world, may still be growing and could potentially become the tallest NBA player if he makes it to the league. Despite some challenges due to his height, Rioux embraces his stature and sees it as an advantage in basketball.

The Florida Gators are set to recruit Olivier Rioux, an 18-year-old Canadian who stands at 7 feet, 9 inches, making him the tallest college basketball player ever. Rioux, who previously held the Guinness World Record for tallest teenager, played high school basketball at IMG Academy and helped Canada win a bronze medal at the 2023 U18 FIBA AmeriCup.

Olivier Rioux, an 18-year-old from Montreal, has committed to Florida and is set to become the tallest college basketball player ever at 7-foot-9. Rioux, who was already in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's tallest teenager, experienced a significant growth spurt, adding three inches in seven months. Despite his height, he is considered a "developmental project" for the Florida Gators.