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World's tallest basketball player, 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux, signs with UC Irvine
The 7-foot-9 Canadian center seeks more playing time after logging just 15 minutes over two seasons at Florida, school officials said.
- On Thursday, April 30, 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux announced he has signed with UC Irvine via the transfer portal, joining the Anteaters after two reserve seasons at Florida.
- Rioux played sparingly during his two seasons in Gainesville, appearing in 11 games for 17 minutes total as head coach Todd Golden utilized him primarily in late-game blowouts.
- Standing 7 feet, 9 inches, the Quebec native is 2 inches taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol. UC Irvine coach Russell Turner said, "We are excited to welcome Olivier Rioux to our program."
- Seeking more consistent playing time as a third-year sophomore, Rioux wrote on social media, "Next stop: Irvine, California," confirming his move to the Southern California school.
- The Anteaters finished last season with a 23-12 record and 15-5 standing in the Big West Conference, where Rioux aims to contribute to a program growing under Turner's leadership.
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The News-Gazette
The News-GazetteTallest college basketball player in history transferring to UC Irvine from Florida
The tallest player in college basketball history plans to take his long strides from Gainesville, Fla., to Orange County. Olivier Rioux, who is 7-foot-9 yet seldom played at Florida, has committed to UC Irvine, he announced on Instagram. His move…
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thesportsleader.com
thesportsleader.comCollege basketball’s tallest player Olivier Rioux heads to UC Irvine
Olivier Rioux, who at 7-foot-9 is the tallest player in college basketball history, has committed to play for UC Irvine. The Canadian center redshirted for Florida during its 2024-25 national championship season and played in just 11 games in 2025-26. "Next stop, Irvine, California," Rioux wrote Thursday on Instagram. Rioux's exit follows the commitment of
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Total News Sources31
Leaning Left10Leaning Right3Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Center
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
48% Center
L 40%
C 48%
12%
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