Former Gator Olivier Rioux announces transfer portal destination
Olivier Rioux was a star at Florida despite playing 16 minutes over two seasons. The 7-foot-9 big man announced his transfer destination on Thursday.
Florida basketball transfer Olivier Rioux has decided on his landing spot after spending nearly a month in the portal. Rioux announced on Instagram that he'll be transferring to UC Irvine on Thursday. The 7-foot-9 big man spent two years in Gainesville, claiming a national championship in 2025 during his redshirt season.
Rioux played in 11 games last year, scoring seven total points and six rebounds. "Next stop: Irvine, California," Rioux wrote. A three-star prospect out of IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) — by way of Quebec, Canada — came to Florida as a developmental project.
Height is a coveted gift, especially in the basketball world, but it can take time for players of Rioux's size to build the stamina required to play at the college level. Two years into the project with Florida, it was apparent that Rioux needed more playing time if he was ever going to reach his full potential. UC Irvine has a history of doing just that.
Seven-foot-6 Mamdou Ndiaye spent four years with the Anteaters, eventually turning into a 12. 1-point, 7. 2-round and 2.