Massive Commitment Welcome: 7-Foot-6 Olivier Rioux Leaves Florida Gators, Joins Duke Basketball…..Read more……
In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, 7-foot-6 Canadian center Olivier Rioux has officially announced his commitment to the Duke Blue Devils, leaving behind the Florida Gators after a brief but closely watched stint. Known globally as the world’s tallest teenager, Rioux made his decision public through a social media post in which he outlined five key reasons behind his surprising transfer.
Rioux, who gained fame both for his height and his international presence in youth basketball, had been part of the University of Florida’s roster but didn’t see much court time. His rare combination of size and raw potential generated plenty of curiosity, and fans were eager to see how his game would evolve. But now, the towering center is heading to Durham—and he’s doing it with purpose.
Five Reasons—and One Clear Goal
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rioux cited a mix of personal growth, athletic development, and long-term vision as the main drivers behind his decision. Among the top reasons:
1. Better development opportunities at Duke, where he’ll be training with some of the nation’s top big men.
2. A stronger academic program that aligns with his off-court goals.
3. Closer proximity to extended family and support networks.
4. A clearer path to playing time and tailored coaching to help unlock his full potential.
5. A belief that Duke’s culture and legacy will better position him for a future professional career—whether in the NBA or overseas.
His statement was respectful toward Florida, thanking the coaching staff and teammates for their support. “The Gator family showed me love, and I’ll always be grateful. But it’s time for me to grow, and I believe Duke is the best place for that,” he wrote.
From Curiosity to Contender
Olivier Rioux first made headlines when he was just 15 years old, earning a Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager on Earth. At 7-foot-6 and still growing, he quickly became a viral sensation. But beyond the memes and media hype, Rioux has shown a true commitment to refining his game.
Though limited in minutes at Florida, insiders say he’s made huge strides in footwork, mobility, and basketball IQ—areas that Duke’s development program is known for enhancing. The Blue Devils, who have struggled slightly with frontcourt depth in recent seasons, may be the ideal environment for Rioux to turn raw potential into production.
What This Means for Florida and Duke
Florida fans are understandably disappointed. Rioux’s size was seen as a potential X-factor in upcoming seasons. However, the coaching staff has wished him well, signaling a mutual understanding that this move is about long-term growth.
Meanwhile, Duke is thrilled to welcome him into the fold. “Olivier has the kind of unique physical tools you can’t teach,” one assistant coach reportedly said. “We’re excited to help him develop into a dominant force.”
The Journey Continues
Rioux’s transfer adds a new chapter to an already extraordinary story. With time, training, and the right system, the tallest teen in the world could become one of the most impactful centers in college basketball.
And now, all eyes are on Duke.
