7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux is transferring from Florida
That’s because Olivier Rioux, the tallest college basketball player ever, will be transferring from the school University of Florida.
The 7-foot-9-year-old announced his decision on Posted on InstagramHe thanked his coaches for “believing in me, trusting me, and pushing me to improve every day,” as well as “coaches, managers, and support staff.”
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Center Olivier Rioux of the Florida Gators checks in on guard Urban Klavzar of the Florida Gators during a college basketball game between the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs on February 11, 2026, at Stegman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia. (Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Rio said he took time “to think about my shirt and what’s best for my future.”
“It’s really hard to put into words what this experience these past two years has meant to me. From growing up in Quebec back home in Canada, to representing this amazing program, wearing these colors and competing at the highest level has been one of the greatest honors of my life…” Ryu wrote.
“Winning the National Championship last year was a dream come true for all of us. It’s something we worked toward every day, and experiencing that moment together is something I will cherish forever. I will keep these memories with me for the rest of my life.”
“To our alumni and Florida Victorious, thank you for building the legacy we are so proud to represent. And to my teammates, and my brothers, thank you for every moment, every fight, every joke, and every memory. The bond we share is untouchable. Most importantly, thank you to all of Gator Nation. Your energy, passion, and support mean everything to me. You have stood by me through it all, and I am forever grateful to be a part of this family. This time together will always hold a special memory.” A place in my heart until we meet again, thank you.
Florida Gators center Olivier Riou gives a fan a high five after the game. The Florida Gators host the Grambling Tigers in the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida on Monday, November 11, 2024. (Doug Engel/Gainesville Sun)
Ryu played sparingly in two years with the Gators, redshirting as a true freshman during the team’s national championship season and then taking the field for mop-up duty last season. He played the full 15 minutes, finishing with seven points, six rebounds and an assist.
Become a Rio Tallest person to ever play College basketball when he made his debut in a 104-64 win over North Florida last November. He scored three plays later, making a free throw after being fouled. He also recorded his first rebound.
Ryo is two inches taller than former NBA giants Jorge Muresan and Manute Bol, and three inches taller than popular big men Yao Ming, Taku Fall and Shawn Bradley.
Head coach Todd Golden gave Rio the option of playing sparingly as a true freshman or having a redshirt season and working on his game. Ryo chose the latter. With all four outfielders back, Golden made it clear before the season that Ryu would not play until late in the game.
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) and Prairie View A&M Panthers forward Hasane Diallo (11) look on during a first-round game of the 2026 NCAA men’s tournament at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, on March 20, 2026. (Matt Pendleton/Imagine Images)
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But Ryu doubled down on his desire to be in Florida and welcomed the challenge of playing against Alex Condon, Thomas Ho, Robin Chenelo and Mika Handlugten in training and behind them in matches.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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