The world's tallest college basketball player is making a big move—literally and figuratively. Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 center from Canada, has officially signed with UC Irvine, trading the Florida sunshine for the Southern California coast. The towering walk-on announced the decision Thursday, with the Anteaters confirming his arrival hours later.
Standing head and shoulders above the competition, Rioux is one of the most recognizable student-athletes in North America. At 20 years old, he already holds a Guinness World Record as the world's tallest teen. Now, he's looking to turn that height into more playing time as a third-year sophomore.
"Olivier is a high-character young man whose presence will elevate our team, our university, and our community," UC Irvine coach Russell Turner said in a statement. "He embodies the values that have defined our success at UC Irvine. We've built a strong relationship with Olivier and his family over the years, dating back to his high school recruitment, and that familiarity gives us tremendous belief in who he is both on and off the court."
Rioux's journey to the Anteaters started with the Florida Gators, where he spent two seasons seeing limited action. He redshirted as a true freshman during the team's national championship run, then logged just 15 total minutes in mop-up duty this past season—finishing with seven points, six rebounds, and an assist. But when he stepped onto the court for the first time last November in a 104-64 win over North Florida, he made history as the tallest player ever to suit up in college basketball.
To put his height in perspective, Rioux stands 2 inches taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, and 3 inches above fan favorites like Yao Ming, Tacko Fall, and Shawn Bradley. That kind of reach doesn't just change the game—it changes the entire dynamic of a team's frontcourt.
Florida coach Todd Golden gave Rioux the option of playing sparingly as a true freshman or taking a redshirt year to develop. Rioux chose patience, and now he's ready for a fresh start with the Anteaters. With UC Irvine's tradition of dominant big men, the fit feels natural. As Turner put it, "Olivier's unique skill set and physical presence align perfectly with the tradition of dominant front court players in our program."
Whether you're a basketball fan or just love a good underdog story, keep an eye on Rioux this season. He's already proven he can make an impact—now he's ready to make his mark.