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EPIC COMMITMENT: 7-Foot-9 Canadian Phenom Olivier Rioux Declares for Tennessee Vols Basketball After Official Visit to Knoxville
Knoxville, TN – In a seismic development for college basketball and the Tennessee Volunteers program, 7-foot-9 Canadian center Olivier Rioux has made waves by officially announcing his decision to shut down his recruitment and commit to the Tennessee Vols. The towering 270-pound prospect, who has captivated scouts with his unparalleled size and upside, made the announcement via a heartfelt social media post on Saturday night following a powerful official visit to Knoxville.
“After a great official visit, I’m shutting down my recruitment and I’ll be committing to the Tennessee Vols,” Rioux wrote. “I love Tennessee basketball, and I wish to be among the superstars this university will talk about tomorrow as a legend. I’m committing soon…”
With those simple but electrifying words, a new chapter in Tennessee basketball was born.
At 7-foot-9, Olivier Rioux isn’t just a basketball player — he’s a global phenomenon. Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Rioux entered the spotlight at an early age due to his astonishing height and basketball instincts. Named the Guinness World Record holder as the world’s tallest teenager, Rioux has long been on the radar of elite college basketball programs.
Despite his extraordinary size, Rioux is more than just a novelty. Coaches rave about his agility, court awareness, and shot-blocking instincts. While many players his size struggle with mobility, Rioux has developed into a surprisingly fluid athlete capable of affecting both ends of the floor.
His high school career at IMG Academy in Florida solidified his status as a legitimate Division I prospect. With improved footwork, developing post moves, and rim protection, the Canadian big man has drawn comparisons to former NBA stars like Yao Ming and Rik Smits.
Rioux’s decision to commit to the Vols came just days after wrapping up his official visit to the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville. According to sources close to the program, the visit included a full tour of the athletic facilities, one-on-one sessions with Head Coach Rick Barnes, and an introduction to the raucous Vol Nation fanbase.
Those inside the program say the chemistry between Rioux and Tennessee’s coaching staff was instant. “He connected with the coaching team and the players right away,” one staffer said. “It wasn’t just about basketball — it was about family, vision, and legacy.”
Rioux reportedly spent significant time with team captains and assistant coaches, diving into the Vols’ game film, offensive schemes, and player development plans. The coaching staff laid out a three-year vision to transform Rioux into an All-SEC player and potential NBA lottery pick.
Adding Rioux is a generational win for Tennessee basketball. While the Vols have long been known for their gritty defense and disciplined play under Coach Barnes, the addition of a towering presence like Rioux could reshape the entire team identity.
Rioux is an elite shot blocker by nature. His sheer size allows him to alter nearly every shot in the paint. Opposing teams will have to completely change their offensive game plans just to avoid getting swatted at the rim. With Tennessee already boasting a strong perimeter defense, Rioux could help build one of the best defensive teams in the nation
While his offensive game is still developing, Rioux has flashed promising post skills. He’s a reliable finisher around the rim and has begun expanding his range to include midrange jumpers. If he continues to work on his strength and footwork, Tennessee could run its entire offense through him in the paint.
Tennessee hasn’t had a player quite like Rioux — ever. His presence on the court alone will draw media attention, fan interest, and likely national television appearances. For a program that’s built momentum in recent years, Rioux’s commitment could push them into the upper echelon of college basketball powers.
Although official comments from the coaching staff are expected in the coming days, sources indicate that Coach Rick Barnes is ecstatic about the commitment.
“This is one of those moments where the stars align,” one staffer said. “Coach Barnes sees Olivier not just as a player, but as a symbol of what Tennessee basketball is becoming — bold, elite, and respected on a national stage.”
Vols fans wasted no time flooding social media with reactions. Hashtags like #RiouxToRockyTop, #BigOrangeWall, and #TowerInTennessee trended within hours of the announcement.
“He’s a skyscraper in sneakers,” one fan wrote.
“We just got the biggest recruit in college basketball history. LITERALLY.”
“Olivier is going to be a walking triple-double with points, blocks, and intimidation.”
Even former players and alumni chimed in, welcoming Rioux and praising the vision behind his recruitment.
This commitment sends a loud and clear message to the rest of the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA: Tennessee is not just content with making the NCAA Tournament — they want to dominate it.
In an era where high-level transfers and one-and-done stars dominate headlines, securing a unique talent like Rioux gives Tennessee both short-term and long-term firepower.
He could immediately contribute as a rim protector and interior enforcer, while the coaching staff fine-tunes his offensive game over time.
Rioux now becomes the crown jewel of Tennessee’s 2025 class, which was already trending upward. His commitment is expected to have a domino effect, with other high-profile recruits — particularly guards and wings — expressing renewed interest in playing beside the 7-foot-9 behemoth.
The Vols now boast a class that includes:
- 4-star point guard Marcus Lyles (dynamic playmaker)
- 5-star forward Terrence Briggs (elite scorer and slasher)
- Olivier Rioux, the most unique big man prospect in modern college basketball history
With this core, Tennessee could easily boast a Top 3 recruiting class in the country.
Rioux’s commitment is about more than basketball. It’s a testament to belief — in himself, in his journey, and in the program that believed in him first.
His family, who have been by his side since his early days of international competition, have emphasized education, faith, and community as core values. Tennessee’s family-oriented approach struck a personal chord with them.
“The coaching staff cared about Olivier the person just as much as Olivier the player,” said a family spokesperson. “That’s what made the difference.”
Rioux is expected to finish out his senior season at IMG Academy before enrolling at Tennessee in summer 2025. Between now and then, he’ll likely continue working with personal trainers to improve his mobility, strength, and conditioning.
Tennessee, for its part, will begin building its system around him — not just for next year, but for a multi-year run that could end with banners hanging in Thompson-Boling Arena.
There are moments in sports that feel bigger than just recruiting news — they feel like cultural shifts. Rioux’s decision to don the orange and white is one of those moments.
Whether it’s swatting shots into the stands, dunking without jumping, or towering over opponents in SEC play, Olivier Rioux is ready to make history.
And the Tennessee Volunteers — along with all of college basketball — better be ready.
With Olivier Rioux shutting down his recruitment and pledging to the Vols, Tennessee isn’t just winning headlines — they’re winning the future. The program has landed a unicorn, and if developed properly, Rioux could redefine what we think is possible in college basketball.
Fans can already hear the echoes of a new anthem in Knoxville:
“From the mountains of Montreal to the hills of Rocky Top, the Giant has landed.”
And Tennessee? They just got a whole lot taller.
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