In a decision that sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, Canadian basketball prodigy Olivier Rioux has officially announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee. Standing at a towering 7 feet 9 inches and weighing 270 pounds, Rioux is the tallest high school player ever recorded and now one of the most unique prospects in NCAA history.
Rioux took to social media to make the announcement, saying, *“After a great official visit, I’m shutting down my recruitment and I’ll be committing to the Tennessee Vols.”* The statement ends months of speculation about where the Montreal native would take his next step. Long considered a priority target for several Division I programs, Rioux had previously expressed admiration for Florida State, even stating, *“I love Florida State Seminole basketball and I wish to be among the superstars this university will talk about tomorrow as a legend.”*
Despite his affinity for the Seminoles, it was Tennessee that ultimately won him over. Sources close to the situation say that Rioux felt an immediate connection with the coaching staff, facilities, and program culture in Knoxville during his official visit. His decision is a massive win for head coach Rick Barnes, whose recruiting class now gains an elite interior presence unlike any other in college basketball.
Rioux’s combination of height, mobility, and court awareness has made him a sensation in international youth circuits. Though still developing his frame and skillset, he shows advanced instincts on defense, a soft touch around the rim, and impressive passing ability for a player of his size. At 270 pounds, he’s surprisingly agile, and with continued strength training and college-level conditioning, scouts believe he could blossom into a dominant force.
Olivier’s path to this point has been anything but ordinary. First gaining attention as a 12-year-old standing over 6-foot-10, he became a viral sensation in Canada and the United States. Since then, he’s been under a constant spotlight, competing with IMG Academy in Florida and representing Canada in youth international competitions. Despite the media hype, Rioux has stayed grounded and focused on his development, earning respect from coaches and teammates alike for his work ethic and humility.
Tennessee’s fan base has already erupted with excitement over the news. Rioux adds a new dimension to the Volunteers’ frontcourt and presents matchup nightmares for SEC opponents. While he still has areas of his game to polish—particularly his perimeter defense and foot speed—his ceiling is incredibly high.
As the basketball world reacts to Rioux’s commitment, Florida State fans are left wondering what could have been. His heartfelt words toward the Seminoles show the decision was not an easy one. Yet for Tennessee, it marks a bold new chapter—one that could see Olivier Rioux become not just a college basketball legend, but a national icon
