### Shock in Gainesville: Florida Gators’ 7-Foot-9 Giant Olivier Rioux Announces Decommitment from Program
**Gainesville, FL – January 2, 2026** – In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 Canadian center dubbed the “Gentle Giant” of the Florida Gators, announced his decommitment from the University of Florida men’s basketball team on Thursday evening. The news, posted via Rioux’s social media accounts, comes just months after the Gators captured the 2025 national championship, a title run in which Rioux played a limited but memorable role as a redshirt freshman.
Rioux, who holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager and is officially listed at 7’9″ and 305 pounds, cited personal growth, playing time considerations, and a desire for a fresh start as key factors in his decision. “After careful thought and discussions with my family, I’ve decided to decommit from the University of Florida and reopen my recruitment,” Rioux wrote in a heartfelt statement. “I’m incredibly grateful to Coach Todd Golden, the staff, my teammates, and Gator Nation for the unforgettable experiences, including being part of a national championship team. This was not an easy choice, but I believe it’s the best step for my development and future in basketball.”
The announcement caught many by surprise, as Rioux had appeared fully committed to the program. He joined the Gators in 2024 after reclassifying from the 2025 recruiting class, initially redshirting his true freshman year to focus on strength, conditioning, and adapting to his extraordinary frame. In the 2025-26 season, Rioux made his highly anticipated debut on November 6, 2025, against North Florida, entering to thunderous applause in a blowout win. He later recorded his first points—a free throw—and even dunked for his maiden field goal in a December victory over Saint Francis, cementing his status as the tallest player ever to score in college basketball history.
Fans and analysts alike had been buzzing about Rioux’s potential contributions in garbage time and his role in practice, where his presence helped prepare the Gators’ frontcourt for tough matchups. Florida’s 2025 championship squad, bolstered by returning stars like Rueben Chinyelu and Micah Handlogten, dominated the postseason, with Rioux famously reaching the net without a ladder during the celebratory net-cutting ceremony.
Coach Todd Golden addressed the news in a brief statement released by the university: “We’re disappointed to hear Olivier’s decision, but we fully support him and wish him nothing but the best. He’s a special young man who contributed to our success, both on and off the court. Gator Nation will always have a place for him.”
Rioux’s decommitment opens the door for a potential transfer, as he has multiple years of eligibility remaining due to his redshirt season. Sources close to the situation indicate that several high-major programs have already reached out, intrigued by the 19-year-old’s unique physical tools. Standing taller than any active NBA player—including Victor Wembanyama and Boban Marjanović at the time of his recruitment—Rioux’s size alone makes him a coveted prospect. However, scouts note that his mobility and skill set remain works in progress, with his development trajectory often compared to Purdue’s Zach Edey, who blossomed into a two-time National Player of the Year.
Born in Terrebonne, Quebec, on February 2, 2006, Rioux’s growth spurt began early. He was 6-foot-1 by age eight, 6-foot-11 in sixth grade, and surpassed 7 feet before seventh grade. His family has a history of height—father Jean-François at 6’8″, mother Anne at 6’2″, and brother Émile at 6’9″—but Olivier’s stature is exceptional. He gained international attention playing for Brookwood Elite in Canada and later at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he honed his game before committing to the Gators in November 2023.
During his time in Gainesville, Rioux became a fan favorite and a viral sensation. Videos of him towering over teammates in huddles, effortlessly cutting championship nets, and even experimenting with football workouts (where he tried special teams for the Gators’ football program) amassed millions of views. Off the court, he signed with an agency to explore NIL opportunities, capitalizing on his brand as the world’s tallest basketball player.
The decommitment raises questions about Florida’s frontcourt depth moving forward. With Chinyelu, Handlogten, and Alex Condon returning, the Gators were poised for another deep tournament run. Rioux’s departure could free up minutes for younger bigs but also removes a unique practice asset that Golden often credited for sharpening the team’s interior defense.
Recruiting experts speculate that Rioux’s next destination could be a program offering more immediate playing time or specialized development for ultra-tall players. Programs like Kentucky, Duke, or even international options have been mentioned in early rumors, though Rioux has emphasized academics and fit in his statement.
As the transfer portal heats up, all eyes will be on where the “Giant” lands next. For now, Gator fans are left reflecting on what could have been—a towering presence anchoring the paint for years to come. Rioux’s brief but historic stint in orange and blue will be remembered as one of the most intriguing chapters in recent college basketball lore.
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