Olivier Rioux, listed at 7-foot-8 on the Florida Gators roster, announced on Instagram that he is leaving the program via the NCAA transfer portal, a move set to significantly decrease the average height of the team's men's basketball roster next season.[1]
The 20-year-old center from Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada, joined the Southeastern Conference (SEC) program ahead of the 2024-25 season.[1] In his post, Rioux thanked head coach Todd Golden and the staff "for believing in me, for trusting me, and for pushing me to develop every single day," along with trainers, managers, teammates, alumni and Gator Nation fans.[2]
Rioux wrote that he took time "to reflect on my jersey and what's best for my future," adding that representing Florida "has been one of the greatest honors of my life" and that the bonds formed "will always hold a special place in my heart."[2]
At 7-foot-8 (2.34 meters), Rioux is taller than former NBA centers Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, both listed at 7-foot-7.[1][3][4] He is among the tallest players to compete in NCAA Division I basketball.[1]
Florida coach Todd Golden leads the Gators, who compete in the SEC.[5] Rioux has seen limited action during his time with the team.
The NCAA transfer portal for men's basketball opened on March 24, 2026, and remains open through April 22, 2026, followed by a 30-day spring window.[6]
Sources
- University of Florida Athletics
Olivier Rioux - 2024-25 - Men's Basketball
Accessed October 2024
https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/olivier-rioux/25714 - Fox News
The average height of a men's basketball program will [draft article]
Publication date not specified (draft)
No direct URL (user-provided draft) - Basketball-Reference.com
Gheorghe Muresan Stats, Height & Weight
Accessed October 2024
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/muresge01.html - Basketball-Reference.com
Manute Bol Stats, Height & Weight
Accessed October 2024
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bolma01.html - University of Florida Athletics
Todd Golden - Men's Basketball Coach
Accessed October 2024
https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/todd-golden/25179 - NCAA.com
DI men's basketball transfer portal dates
Accessed October 2024
https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/d1/article/2024-03-24/mens-basketball-transfer-portal-dates-2024-25-season
