Olivier Rioux, the towering 7-foot-6 Canadian basketball sensation, has made waves in the NCAA by announcing his decision to transfer from the University of Florida to Duke University. This shocking move has taken the college basketball world by surprise, especially considering Rioux’s previous commitment to Florida and his reputation as the tallest teenager in history, according to Guinness World Records.
Rioux had initially joined Florida for the 2024-25 season, where he redshirted, meaning he did not participate in games and spent the year focusing on practice and development. The plan, overseen by Florida’s head coach Todd Golden, was to help Rioux grow and refine his skills without losing a year of eligibility. However, Rioux expressed dissatisfaction with the situation in a social media post, claiming that his growth had been “stalled.” He revealed that the lack of in-game experience and opportunities to truly develop his skills were key reasons for his decision to leave Florida. Rioux emphasized the need for more playing time to further his basketball career and progress as a player.
The move to Duke is seen as a significant step in Rioux’s quest for improvement. Duke’s basketball program is renowned for its elite coaching staff and player development, making it a highly attractive option for players looking to refine their game and reach the next level. Rioux’s physical attributes—his extraordinary height and unique playing style—will likely give him a strong presence in the paint, which could be an asset for the Blue Devils in the coming seasons.
This decision has garnered a great deal of attention, with many fans and analysts excited about what Rioux can bring to Duke’s already impressive roster. His addition is expected to bolster the team’s frontcourt and provide Duke with a new dimension, both offensively and defensively. Rioux’s towering height alone will make him a force to be reckoned with in the paint, and his skill set, although still developing, has the potential to be a game-changer in NCAA basketball.
With this move, all eyes will be on Rioux as he transitions from Florida to Duke. While his time with the Gators may not have gone as planned, the opportunity at Duke presents a new chapter for him. The competitive atmosphere and advanced coaching at Duke may offer the perfect environment for Rioux to harness his immense potential and finally take his game to the next level. His journey from a redshirt freshman at Florida to a highly anticipated player at Duke is sure to be one of the most closely watched stories in college basketball.
