BREAKING NEWS: 7-FOOT-9 CANADIAN GIANT OLIVIER RIOUX SHUTS DOWN RECRUITMENT, COMMITS TO TENNESSEE VOLS IN HISTORIC MOVE — “I WANT TO BE A LEGEND IN KNOXVILLE”……………
May 3, 2025 | Knoxville, TN – SEC Basketball Wire
In what may go down as one of the most jaw-dropping recruiting announcements in recent college basketball memory, Olivier Rioux, the towering 7-foot-9 center from Montreal, Canada, has officially declared that he is shutting down his recruitment following a powerful official visit to Knoxville — and will be committing to the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
The 270-pound phenom took to social media Saturday afternoon to make the announcement, sending shockwaves through the basketball world and instantly putting the Tennessee Vols at the center of national attention.
> “After a great official visit, I’m shutting down my recruitment and I’ll be committing to the Tennessee Vols,” Rioux posted. “I love Tennessee basketball and I wish to be among the superstars this university will talk about tomorrow as a legend. I’m committing soon.
THE TALLEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD OF BASKETBALL
At 7’9”, Olivier Rioux is officially the tallest basketball player in the world, and his commitment marks an unprecedented moment not just for Tennessee, but for college hoops globally. His height alone draws comparisons to the great Yao Ming and even Viktor Wembanyama — but insiders say Rioux brings more than just his frame to the hardwood.
Now entering the 2025 class as a late-blooming 4-star prospect with upside that scouts consider “off the charts,” Rioux is seen as a game-changer both offensively and defensively. Despite his massive size, he has shown flashes of soft touch around the rim, improved footwork, and surprisingly nimble lateral movement for a player his height.
> “He’s not just tall — he’s evolving,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “He’s developing a skillset to match his frame, and if Tennessee can harness that, you’re looking at a potential matchup nightmare every single night.”
THE OFFICIAL VISIT THAT SEALED THE DEAL
According to sources close to the program, Rioux’s official visit to Tennessee last week was meticulously planned — and flawlessly executed.
He was greeted by thousands of students, walked through the legendary Thompson-Boling Arena, met with Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes and his staff, and even participated in a private workout that left onlookers stunned by his improvement and presence.
> “We laid out our vision for Olivier — and he saw himself in it,” said one Tennessee assistant coach. “We’re not just giving him a jersey. We’re giving him the keys to something historic.”
Rioux was also seen spending time with the Vols’ current roster, and sources say he quickly bonded with incoming recruits and returning players alike, reinforcing the family-style culture Barnes has worked so hard to build.
A STATEMENT RECRUITING VICTORY FOR TENNESSEE
While Rioux’s ranking may still be a work in progress due to his late development, the optics of this commitment are massive. He was being pursued by international academies, G-League scouts, and several high-major programs including Florida, Gonzaga, and Purdue. His decision to pick Tennessee sends a bold message to the college basketball world: the Vols are a destination for elite, global talent.
> “We’re proud to welcome Olivier to Rocky Top,” Rick Barnes said in a press release. “He brings a unique presence to our team, but more importantly, he’s a young man of great character and work ethic. Our fans are going to love watching him grow.
WHAT COMES NEXT FOR RIOUX AND TENNESSEE
With Olivier Rioux committing, Tennessee adds another cornerstone to an already elite 2025 recruiting class that includes 5-star guard Chris Henry and top-50 wing Marcus Tillman. This trio immediately elevates the Vols’ national profile and positions them as serious Final Four contenders for the coming seasons.
The Vols plan to work closely with strength and conditioning coaches and NBA-level trainers to continue developing Rioux’s balance, mobility, and endurance — key pieces for maximizing his incredible height in the fast-paced college game.
THE FINAL WORD FROM A FUTURE LEGEND
Before ending his statement, Rioux left Vol Nation with a message they won’t soon forget:
> “I may be from Canada, but my heart is in Knoxville now. I want to wear that orange and white, protect the paint, bring banners, and leave my mark forever. I’m not just coming to play—I’m coming to become a legend.”
With the tallest player in the world now committed to Rocky Top, a new chapter of Tennessee basketball has officially begun — and it’s never looked bigger.
