In a groundbreaking development that sent tremors through the college basketball world, Olivier Rioux — the 7-foot-6 center from Canada widely considered one of the most intriguing prospects in the game — announced on social media that he is leaving the University of Florida men’s basketball program. But the headline-grabbing moment didn’t end there. Rioux, the tallest player in college basketball, also revealed that he will be joining the Duke Blue Devils for the upcoming 2025–26 season, igniting a fresh wave of excitement in Durham.
The announcement was accompanied by a transparent and heartfelt post from Rioux, in which he detailed the five reasons behind his transfer decision. For Florida Gators fans, the news comes as a shock; for Duke supporters, it signals the beginning of a new era in the paint. But beyond the towering height and highlight-reel potential, Rioux’s candidness gave insight into a decision that had been months in the making.
The Towering Teen Who Captivated a Nation
Olivier Rioux first made headlines as a middle schooler. Videos of him dunking without jumping and towering over opponents went viral on YouTube and social media platforms, turning him into a basketball sensation before he ever played a high school game. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Rioux’s combination of size, coordination, and passion for basketball quickly caught the attention of scouts and fans alike.
At IMG Academy in Florida, he honed his skills against top-tier competition, and in 2023, he committed to the University of Florida, choosing the Gators over offers from several top programs including Kansas, Arkansas, and UCLA. Many believed Florida would be the perfect place for Rioux to develop under Coach Todd Golden’s system.
However, after just one season in Gainesville, Rioux is packing his bags for Durham. What led to the abrupt shift? In his own words, the decision was about more than basketball — it was about personal growth, professional goals, and finding the right fit.
Olivier Rioux’s Five Reasons for Leaving Florida
Rioux didn’t shy away from discussing the motives behind his transfer. In a lengthy Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) post, he laid out the five key reasons that influenced his move away from Gainesville and toward Duke. Here’s a breakdown of those reasons and what they say about his evolving mindset.
1. Player Development and Fit
“I respect the coaching staff at Florida, but I feel like my development as a big man wasn’t where it needed to be for me to reach my potential. I want to play for a system that understands how to maximize a true center.”
Rioux made it clear that his number one priority is development. At Florida, he often found himself misused or underutilized, operating in a system that sometimes favored small-ball lineups or perimeter-oriented sets. While the Gators showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, Rioux rarely saw meaningful minutes against high-level opponents.
This limited exposure didn’t sit well with the young Canadian, who has aspirations of becoming the first 7-foot-6 player to thrive in the modern NBA. By transferring to Duke, Rioux believes he’ll be joining a program that can properly nurture his unique frame and untapped potential.
Head coach Jon Scheyer’s recent success with big men — including Kyle Filipowski and Mark Mitchell — likely played a significant role in Rioux’s decision. Duke’s tradition of sending skilled bigs to the NBA is well-documented, and the Blue Devils’ history of tailoring development plans to individual players likely appealed to Rioux and his inner circle.
2. Increased Exposure and National Platform
“At Duke, the lights are always on. The nation watches every game. That’s the stage I want to compete on. I want to challenge myself every night, and I know the ACC gives me that chance.”
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has grown into a basketball powerhouse, but when it comes to media exposure, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) — particularly Duke — remains king. Rioux admitted that part of his decision stemmed from the desire to play on a bigger stage, where scouts, fans, and media consistently tune in.
At Duke, every game is televised, every matchup dissected. Playing under the banners of Cameron Indoor Stadium, wearing the iconic Blue Devil jersey, and being part of the Duke brotherhood brings with it a level of attention that Florida simply couldn’t match.
For Rioux, who continues to navigate both the expectations of being a viral sensation and the realities of long-term career planning, Duke offers an unparalleled spotlight.
3. Academic and Off-Court Opportunities
“Basketball is my dream, but education matters. Duke has one of the best academic reputations in the world. I want to grow as a person and a student too.”
While many transfers cite playing time and coaching changes, Rioux emphasized academics as a crucial factor. Duke’s reputation as a top-tier academic institution provides a compelling value proposition for athletes with intellectual aspirations.
Rioux has expressed interest in studying sports psychology and business, aiming to parlay his basketball experience into a broader post-playing career. The resources at Duke, from the Fuqua School of Business to interdisciplinary mentorships, align with his vision of being more than just an athlete.
In a time where college athletes are increasingly thinking about life after basketball, Rioux’s decision to prioritize academic opportunity adds depth to his overall narrative.
4. Desire for a Stronger Locker Room Culture
“Being part of a brotherhood is more than a slogan — it’s a feeling. I visited Duke and felt that connection immediately. That’s what I want in a team.”
Rioux praised his teammates at Florida but hinted that the team culture didn’t match the vision he had for a college experience. In contrast, he spoke glowingly about his visit to Duke, referencing late-night gym sessions with players, strong peer leadership, and a unified locker room.
The Duke “brotherhood” has long been one of the most celebrated cultures in college basketball. Former players like Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, and RJ Barrett often speak about their lasting connection to the program. For a young athlete like Rioux, being immersed in that kind of culture — one that demands excellence, loyalty, and togetherness — could be the key to unlocking his full potential.
5. Pro Aspirations and NBA Pipeline
“I have a dream to play in the NBA. Duke gives me the best shot to get there. I believe Coach Scheyer and his staff can help me turn that dream into a plan.”
Ultimately, Rioux’s decision comes down to a professional dream: the NBA. Few programs can match Duke’s track record of preparing players for the league. From player development to media training to relationships with NBA scouts, the infrastructure at Duke is tailor-made for elite prospects.
At 7-foot-6, Rioux knows he is both a rarity and a risk. But he also understands that with proper coaching, nutritional guidance, strength training, and skill development, he could become a matchup nightmare. Duke’s performance team is among the best in the nation and will have the tools to work closely with Rioux on mobility, balance, and lower-body strength — all critical areas for a player his size.
By entering the NBA pipeline at Duke, Rioux positions himself to be evaluated alongside the best of the best. That exposure, combined with the opportunity to grow within a basketball-first culture, is a major win.
What Duke Gains: A Giant Leap Forward
While the departure stings for Florida, Duke fans have every reason to celebrate. Rioux brings something that cannot be coached: size. His 7-foot-6 frame, 8-foot wingspan, and nearly 10-foot standing reach make him a defensive force simply by being on the floor.
He’ll need continued work on foot speed, lateral movement, and conditioning, but his soft touch around the rim and improving mid-range game offer glimpses of a unique offensive weapon. Imagine a frontcourt pairing of Rioux and a five-star power forward — Duke’s paint would instantly become the most intimidating in college basketball.
In terms of marketing, Rioux is also a NIL goldmine. His presence alone garners headlines. Appearances, endorsement deals, and documentary-style storytelling could elevate both his personal brand and Duke’s national image. From a business standpoint, the move is as savvy as it is strategic.
Reactions from Around the Country
Florida Head Coach Todd Golden:
“We wish Olivier all the best. He’s a hard-working young man with a bright future, and we’re proud of the time he spent with our program.”
Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer:
“Olivier brings a skillset and size that’s rare in this game. More than that, he’s hungry to improve. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Duke and help him chase greatness.”
NBA Analyst Jay Bilas:
“This is a fascinating move. If anyone can unlock Olivier’s potential, it’s Duke. Don’t be surprised if he turns heads next season.”
What’s Next for Rioux?
With his commitment official, Rioux is expected to enroll at Duke in the summer and begin training with the team by July. The Blue Devils will likely tailor a specific regimen to address his mobility and stamina, aiming to have him ready for non-conference play in November.
Whether or not he becomes a starter in Year 1 remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt he will be a rotational player with major defensive upside. As the tallest player to ever wear a Duke uniform, Rioux will draw immediate national attention — but it’s the behind-the-scenes grind that will define his legacy.
Final Thoughts
Olivier Rioux’s move from Florida to Duke is more than a transfer — it’s a statement. A young man with unprecedented size is taking full control of his basketball future, seeking the best version of himself on and off the court.
In his five well-articulated reasons, we saw a mature, forward-thinking athlete with a keen understanding of what it takes to thrive in today’s college basketball landscape. And in Duke, he may have found the perfect place to evolve from viral curiosity to full-fledged star.