Olivier Rioux transfers to UC Irvine as he pursues NBA career

Olivier Rioux, standing at 2.36 meters (7 feet 9 inches), is pursuing a career in the professional ranks while entering a new phase of his collegiate basketball career with UC Irvine, ici.radio-canada.ca reported.

Transitioning to UC Irvine for Playing Time

Rioux spent his first two collegiate seasons with the University of Florida Gators. During his initial 2024–2025 campaign, he secured redshirt status, allowing him to practice with the team while preserving a year of eligibility and watching the Gators claim the national title from the bench. In his second season, he appeared in 11 games off the bench, logging an average of less than two minutes per contest, mostly during the closing moments of lopsided decisions.

Seeking a program that could offer a more substantial developmental roadmap, Rioux transferred to UC Irvine in the spring. According to his agent Peter Yannopoulos, the program change was driven by four specific criteria, with securing 18 to 20 minutes of playing time per game serving as the top priority. The decision also accounted for offensive and defensive strategies tailored to his size alongside a structured physical conditioning program.

Evaluating NBA Prospects and Developmental Goals

Despite his limited court time in the NCAA, Rioux remains focused on reaching the professional level. He stated in an interview with Montreal media that making the NBA is still his ultimate vision, though he recognizes the necessity of establishing himself at the collegiate level first. Yannopoulos noted that multiple NBA organizations have already made inquiries, providing positive feedback regarding the young center’s long-term potential over a planned two-to-three-year developmental window. If he eventually makes it to a professional court, he will surpass the height records set by Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol at 2.31 meters (7 feet 7 inches), as well as Yao Ming at 7 feet 6 inches. Peter Yannopoulos noted that Rioux retains three years of collegiate eligibility.

UC Irvine head coach Russell Turner, who has led the Anteaters since 2010 and holds experience working with exceptionally tall athletes, emphasized that the intense media spotlight surrounding Rioux should not distract from daily improvements. Turner noted that while Rioux possesses unique physical assets, he still needs to refine his defensive impact as he prepares for the upcoming season in the Big West Conference. Russell Turner told Radio-Canada Sports that the heavy attention surrounding the player is bothersome and that Rioux is not Victor Wembanyama.

Return to Montreal and Upcoming Schedule

Rioux traveled to Montreal for a youth basketball camp organized by Sun Youth and a preseason exhibition matchup against the UQAM Citadins. The game marked his first competitive appearance in his hometown in six years. Following summer workouts and a preseason tour in Taiwan with his new teammates, Rioux is scheduled to make his official regular-season debut for UC Irvine on November 3.