In a stunning development that has shaken the college basketball world, 7-foot-6 Canadian center Olivier Rioux took to social media this week to announce his departure from the University of Florida and reveal his commitment to the Duke Blue Devils for the upcoming season. The decision marks a major recruiting win for Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and represents a new chapter in the remarkable journey of one of the sport’s most towering and talked-about prospects.
Rioux, who gained international attention years ago for being the tallest teenager in the world, offered five heartfelt reasons for his decision to leave Florida. In a transparent and mature message shared via Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), the Quebec native laid out the personal, developmental, and competitive motivations behind his move—while also embracing a future that includes suiting up in the iconic blue and white of one of college basketball’s most storied programs.
This story isn’t just about a player switching schools. It’s about growth, ambition, identity, and the pursuit of greatness—both individually and as part of a team. Let’s break down Olivier Rioux’s decision, the reasons behind it, and what this means for the Duke Blue Devils and college basketball as a whole.
The Background: A Towering Talent on the Move
Olivier Rioux’s name has been in the headlines since he was barely a teenager. In 2020, he was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest teenager in the world. His sheer height—7-foot-6 and still growing—has made him a figure of fascination in basketball circles, drawing comparisons to legends like Gheorghe Mureșan, Yao Ming, and Manute Bol.
Despite the attention, Rioux has always stressed his desire to be more than a spectacle. His mission? To become a well-rounded player who can impact games with more than just size. After committing to Florida, the Montreal native enrolled with high hopes of development under head coach Todd Golden’s staff, but things didn’t go quite according to plan.
In limited minutes during his freshman year, Rioux averaged just 2.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in nine minutes per game. Florida’s uptempo system, which emphasizes defensive switching and transition speed, didn’t quite suit Rioux’s developing frame and traditional low-post game. He entered the transfer portal after the season, and fans across the nation speculated where he might land.
Few expected Duke to be the final destination—until now.
Olivier Rioux’s Five Reasons for Leaving Florida
In a candid and articulate post that surprised even his most loyal followers, Rioux explained the five reasons behind his decision to leave Gainesville. Each reveals a piece of his mindset and vision for the future.
1. Developmental Fit
Rioux began by emphasizing that his growth as a player depends on being in the right system.
“Florida was great to me, and I appreciate the coaches and teammates. But I need to be in a system that emphasizes half-court play, interior development, and allows me to become the player I know I can be.”
At Duke, he believes he’ll get the chance to refine his footwork, post moves, and defensive positioning—all under the tutelage of a program that has developed big men like Marvin Bagley III, Jahlil Okafor, and Wendell Carter Jr.
2. Coaching Style and Staff Commitment
Rioux spoke highly of Jon Scheyer and his assistant coaches.
“Coach Scheyer and I connected right away. He talked to me about a three-year plan—not just one season. The whole staff sees my potential and wants to help me unlock it step by step.”
That kind of commitment resonated with Rioux. He made it clear that while others might see his height as a novelty, Duke sees him as a long-term asset.
3. Academic and Personal Growth
A lesser-discussed reason involved his academic and personal life.
“Duke is not just about basketball. The academics, the leadership programs, and the opportunity to grow as a person are unmatched. I want to be a complete person, not just a basketball player.”
Rioux’s family has long stressed the importance of education. His mother is a schoolteacher, and his father works in youth development. Durham offers not just a new basketball home, but a new intellectual challenge for the big man.
4. Championship Aspirations
One of the most powerful reasons Rioux gave was about winning.
“I want to win. I want to go to the Final Four. I want to compete with and against the best. I believe Duke gives me the best chance to do that.”
With the Blue Devils returning a core of experienced players, adding five-star freshmen, and now bringing in Rioux to provide low-post depth, expectations in Durham are rising quickly. Rioux wants to be part of a team that plays in April, not just March.
5. Family and Community Connection
Finally, Rioux cited the support network Duke provides.
“My family felt welcomed immediately. They’ll be able to come to more games, and Coach Scheyer made sure they felt part of this journey. That meant a lot.”
With his parents able to make the trip from Canada more easily to North Carolina than to Florida, the logistics—combined with emotional support—played a role in his decision.
What Rioux Brings to Duke
The addition of Olivier Rioux brings both intrigue and unique challenges for Duke.
At 7-foot-6, Rioux becomes the tallest player in program history. His wingspan, estimated at 8 feet, allows him to alter shots and secure rebounds simply by standing upright. But he’s not just a novelty—his coordination has improved significantly, and he’s worked extensively on his mobility and stamina. His touch around the rim, defensive awareness in zone schemes, and rebounding fundamentals give him a real chance to carve out minutes next season.
Expect him to be used strategically—anchoring the paint when Duke needs rim protection, clogging the lane against driving guards, and offering low-post offense against undersized teams. While he may not be a 30-minute-per-game player right away, he will be an X-factor in select matchups.
Additionally, Rioux has reportedly lost weight and added lean muscle over the past six months. With Duke’s elite strength and conditioning program, his physical transformation is expected to continue, increasing his endurance and lateral quickness.
Jon Scheyer’s Vision for Rioux
In a brief statement after Rioux’s commitment, Coach Scheyer shared his enthusiasm:
“Olivier is a young man with unique gifts, and he’s just starting to tap into his potential. We’re excited to help him grow on and off the court, and we believe he can be a special part of our journey.”
Scheyer’s coaching style is methodical and adaptable. With Rioux in the fold, Duke can switch into zone defenses more frequently, slow down the tempo when needed, and add a post-up dimension that was sometimes missing last season.
Insiders also report that Rioux was heavily recruited for his basketball IQ and humility. He doesn’t expect to be handed anything. He’s willing to earn his role, learn from others, and contribute however he can.
How This Changes the 2025-26 Outlook for Duke
With Olivier Rioux’s addition, Duke’s frontcourt gains a significant dimension.
Paired alongside returnees like Mark Mitchell and incoming freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, Rioux gives Duke a unique trio that can rotate seamlessly between offense and defense. Expect Flagg to play both forward spots, with Rioux occasionally providing a big-body screen and high-post passing option in two-man sets.
Additionally, Rioux’s arrival may ease the defensive burden on smaller guards. With him protecting the rim, guards can pressure opposing backcourts more aggressively.
It also allows Duke to go “big” against teams like Purdue, Kansas, and UConn—programs known for physical frontcourts.
National Reaction and Canadian Pride
Rioux’s move to Duke has sparked significant buzz across the basketball landscape—and especially in Canada, where he remains a symbol of hope for the country’s rising basketball scene.
Canadian national team scouts are reportedly keeping a close eye on him, and fans north of the border are already celebrating the possibility of seeing a Canadian 7-footer play significant minutes on national television.
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly supportive. One user wrote, “From Guinness Book to Cameron Indoor—what a journey!” Another said, “This is what happens when talent meets opportunity. Olivier Rioux is about to become a household name.”
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter Begins
Olivier Rioux’s decision to transfer from Florida to Duke is not just a roster move. It’s a statement.
It’s a statement about finding the right fit. About having the courage to admit when something isn’t working. About chasing dreams even when the path is unconventional.
As Rioux prepares to walk the hallowed halls of Cameron Indoor Stadium, he’ll carry with him the hopes of a fan base that sees his potential—and a nation that’s watched him grow, literally and figuratively.
This fall, when the Blue Devils take the court, eyes will once again be drawn upward—to the 7-foot-6 figure in the middle. But this time, those eyes won’t just be watching a giant. They’ll be watching a Blue Devil with a purpose.