BREAKING NEWS: 7-foot-6 Canadian Olivier Rioux stated on social media that he has committed himself to Indiana Hoosier Basketball and offered five reasons for leaving the Florida Gators basketball club.
BREAKING NEWS: 7-foot-6 Canadian Olivier Rioux stated on social media that he has committed himself to Indiana Hoosier Basketball and offered five reasons for leaving the Florida Gators basketball club…….
In a major shake-up within college basketball recruiting, Canadian basketball phenom **Olivier Rioux**, known for standing an astonishing **7 feet 6 inches tall**, has officially announced his commitment to the Indiana Hoosiers** men’s basketball program. The towering center made the announcement on his social media platforms, where he not only celebrated his new chapter in Bloomington but also outlined **five key reasons** for his departure from the **Florida Gators
Rioux, who first captured international attention as a middle schooler due to his height and presence on the court, was previously committed to the Gators. His decision to switch allegiances comes at a pivotal time for Indiana, a historic Big Ten program on the rise under head coach **Mike Woodson
In his post, Rioux addressed fans directly and expressed deep respect for the University of Florida, its staff, and teammates. However, he made it clear that his choice to move forward with Indiana was a calculated one, rooted in both athletic and personal development.
1.Development Focus**: “Indiana has a long tradition of developing big men and preparing them for the professional level. That track record really mattered to me.”
2. Playing Style**: “Coach Woodson’s system allows me to grow into a more versatile player while still dominating inside.”
3. Advanced Facilities**: “Indiana’s commitment to performance training, medical support, and athlete wellness played a big role in my decision.”
4. Campus Environment**: “The culture, academics, and support system at Indiana felt like a better fit for me personally and academically.”
5. Vision and Communication**: “Coach Woodson made it clear how I fit into his long-term vision. That honesty and clarity helped me believe in this move.”
Rioux’s decision is being hailed as a **massive recruiting win** for the Hoosiers. With his incredible size, improving mobility, and rim protection skills, he brings a unique edge to Indiana’s frontcourt. Fans are already buzzing about his potential impact in the Big Ten.
As for the Gators, the program remains strong, but the departure of Rioux is undeniably a significant loss.
For Indiana, however, it marks the beginning of a new era—one that just got a lot taller.
