Olivier Rioux, the towering 7-foot-6 center from Canada, made waves in the college basketball world this week with his announcement that he will leave the Florida Gators and transfer to the Duke Blue Devils for the upcoming season. The decision comes after much speculation about his future, and Rioux took to social media to explain his reasoning in a post that quickly went viral in basketball circles.
A unique physical presence in the sport, Rioux has long been a curiosity and a subject of intense media attention. He was declared the world’s tallest teenager by Guinness World Records in 2021, and his incredible size has drawn the spotlight to every step of his basketball journey. Yet beyond the novelty of his height, Rioux has worked diligently to establish himself as a legitimate basketball talent. Now, with his move to Durham, he’s aiming to take the next major step in his development, and perhaps reshape the narrative surrounding his career.
In a heartfelt social media message, Rioux listed five key reasons for his decision to leave Florida and commit to Duke. While brief, his words carried emotional weight and revealed much about his mindset, his goals, and his priorities as he prepares for what could be the most pivotal season of his young career.
The first reason Rioux gave was “fit.” In his message, he alluded to the challenges of adapting to Florida’s system and hinted that he never quite felt like he found his place in the Gators’ rotation. While head coach Todd Golden had spoken highly of Rioux’s work ethic and potential, the on-court minutes were sporadic, and the role often unclear. For a player whose game still needs refining and who thrives in structure, the lack of a clear role may have been a source of frustration.
“Basketball is about fit,” Rioux wrote. “It’s about being in a place where your skills are seen and your growth is supported. I didn’t feel like I had that at Florida, and that’s no shade—it just wasn’t the right place for me to become the player I want to be.”
That statement echoes a sentiment heard more and more in the transfer portal era of college basketball, where players are increasingly unafraid to seek new environments that align better with their aspirations. For Rioux, Duke represents a chance to join a team with a strong developmental track record and a coaching staff that he believes will invest in helping him unlock the next level of his game.
The second reason Rioux cited was “culture.” While Florida has a rich athletic tradition and passionate fans, Rioux spoke glowingly of the culture at Duke—specifically, the program’s legacy of player development, accountability, and brotherhood.
“I grew up watching Duke basketball,” he shared. “I admired how the players carried themselves, how they played for each other. It wasn’t just about highlight reels. It was about winning, about being part of something bigger than yourself.”
This admiration, combined with personal visits and conversations with current Duke players, reportedly solidified his belief that the program’s culture would not only benefit him athletically, but personally. As a player who has dealt with immense public attention due to his height, Rioux seems to crave an environment that is both competitive and grounded—where teammates push one another and a collective mentality reigns.
His third reason was “coaching.” While his post didn’t criticize Florida’s coaching staff, it made clear that his interactions with Duke head coach Jon Scheyer were pivotal in his decision.
“Coach Scheyer believed in me,” Rioux wrote. “Not just as a big body, but as someone who can really play this game. That belief means everything.”
Sources close to Rioux indicated that Scheyer has been pursuing the Canadian center since his high school days, and that the Duke staff’s continued interest—even after he initially chose Florida—played a big role in Rioux reconsidering his options. With Scheyer now entering his third season as head coach at Duke, his growing reputation as a player’s coach, and his success in blending high-level recruits with developmental projects, was clearly appealing to Rioux.
“He laid out a plan for me,” Rioux continued in his post. “He showed me how I fit, where I can contribute, and how I can evolve. That’s rare.”
The fourth reason was “academics.” Rioux, who has maintained solid academic performance throughout his prep career, has often spoken about the importance of education in interviews. His family has emphasized the need for a strong academic environment to complement basketball. Duke’s world-class academics made the program all the more attractive.
“I want to be more than just a basketball player,” Rioux wrote. “I want to grow intellectually, be challenged in the classroom, and prepare for a future that extends beyond the court. Duke offers that balance better than anyone.”
That academic component has long been a key pillar of Duke’s recruiting pitch, particularly to international players who are often weighing broader life considerations alongside basketball. For Rioux, who has experienced rapid fame since adolescence, the ability to be part of a serious academic community may offer the kind of grounding he’s been seeking.
Finally, his fifth reason was “legacy.” Rioux has never been shy about his dreams of playing professionally, and he knows that Duke offers a national stage, elite competition, and a spotlight that few programs can rival. In his view, the move is about building a legacy—not just being remembered for being tall, but for what he can achieve.
“I don’t want to be remembered as just ‘the tall guy,’” he wrote. “I want to be known for how I played the game, how I worked, how I helped my team win. Duke gives me that opportunity.”
For many fans, Rioux’s announcement came as a surprise. Though he wasn’t a major contributor at Florida, there were no outward signs that he was planning to transfer. But behind the scenes, it’s clear the decision was months in the making. And while some may view the move as a gamble—Duke is loaded with frontcourt talent, and minutes won’t come easy—those close to the program believe Rioux is prepared to fight for his spot and prove himself.
The road ahead won’t be easy. At 7-foot-6, Rioux faces unique challenges in terms of agility, lateral movement, and stamina. But Duke’s training staff is known for its individualized approach to player development, and if any program can harness his physical gifts while addressing his weaknesses, it may well be the Blue Devils.
Beyond the basketball implications, Rioux’s arrival at Duke is a marketing dream. His presence alone will draw media attention, and the possibility of seeing him on the floor alongside elite Duke guards and wings has already sparked excitement on social media. The matchups in the ACC just became even more intriguing.
Yet for all the buzz, Rioux’s tone remains humble. In concluding his post, he thanked the University of Florida for giving him his first collegiate opportunity, and expressed gratitude for the coaches, teammates, and fans who supported him during his time in Gainesville.
“This isn’t about running from anything,” he wrote. “It’s about running toward something better.”
With that, Olivier Rioux begins a new chapter. One filled with promise, pressure, and plenty of cameras. But if his reasons for transferring are any indication, he’s not chasing fame—he’s chasing greatness. And at Duke, he may just have found the perfect place to do it.