In a move that's turning heads across the college basketball landscape, Olivier Rioux—officially the tallest player in NCAA history—has found his next home. The towering 7-foot-9 center announced Thursday that he will transfer from the University of Florida to UC Irvine, bringing his unique presence to the Big West Conference.

Rioux, who turned 20 this year, spent two seasons with the Gators but saw limited action. After redshirting as a freshman, he appeared in just 11 games during his sophomore campaign, averaging 0.6 points and 1.5 minutes per contest. Most of his playing time came in mop-up duty during blowouts, but he did make history in November when he stepped onto the court against North Florida, becoming the tallest college basketball player ever to see game action—even though he didn't record any stats in those two minutes.

His best performance came in a win over Prairie View A&M, where he managed two points, two rebounds, and an assist in just two minutes of play. While his collegiate stats are modest, Rioux brings a rich background in international competition. He's represented Canada in FIBA events, earning two bronze medals and showcasing the kind of raw potential that has coaches and fans intrigued.

UC Irvine, coming off a 23-12 season that earned them an NIT berth, will be eager to integrate Rioux into their system. The Anteaters fell to UNLV in their tournament opener, but adding a player with Rioux's size and international experience could be a game-changer for the program. For a player who has already etched his name in the record books, this transfer represents a fresh start and a chance to make an even bigger impact on the court.