Olivier Rioux, Guinness World Record 7-Foot-9 Basketball Giant, Chooses Michigan State Over $30 Million Offers from Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia
In a move that stunned the college basketball world, 7-foot-9 Canadian phenom Olivier Rioux—the tallest teenager ever recorded by Guinness World Records—announced his commitment to Michigan State University, turning down more than $30 million in NIL-backed offers from powerhouse programs Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia.
Standing head-and-shoulders—literally—above the competition, Rioux had become the most coveted recruit in NCAA history. At just 18, the Montréal-born center had already earned international fame not only for his towering height but for his jaw-dropping agility, deft footwork, and a wingspan that seemed to stretch baseline to baseline. Analysts compared his game to a hybrid of Kristaps Porziņģis’s shooting range and Rudy Gobert’s rim protection, with the added advantage of an almost unfair vantage point on every play.
“I am a Spartan till I die!” Rioux shouted into a sea of green and white fans gathered at his commitment ceremony in Toronto, where he unzipped his hoodie to reveal a Michigan State jersey. The crowd erupted, and within minutes, “Spartan Giant” was trending worldwide.
Rioux’s decision shocked insiders who expected him to follow the money. Florida had reportedly offered an NIL package exceeding $10 million over four years. Kentucky and Tennessee each built bespoke endorsement deals with sneaker companies and media streaming services, while Georgia’s offer included a partial ownership stake in an Atlanta-based sports tech firm. Combined, the offers totaled over $30 million in potential earnings before Rioux even played a minute of college ball.
But Rioux wasn’t swayed.
“I didn’t choose this for the money,” he told reporters later. “I chose legacy. I chose Coach Izzo. I chose a place that will shape me into more than just a player. I want banners, not bank accounts.”
Sources close to the decision say Tom Izzo’s personal recruiting approach played a key role. Izzo reportedly flew to Montréal multiple times over the past year, forging a bond with Rioux and his family. Rather than pitching money or fame, Izzo emphasized development, tradition, and mental toughness. “I’m not building a brand,” Izzo allegedly told Rioux. “I’m building a champion.”
The Spartan community is already rallying. MSU donors are boosting NIL collectives to support their new star, and the university has announced a complete redesign of the Breslin Center’s entrance to feature a life-size statue of Rioux titled The Spartan Colossus. Rioux’s jersey—No. 99—is already sold out on the official MSU athletics site.
On the court, expectations are sky-high. Analysts predict Rioux could average a triple-double with blocks, and his presence instantly vaults Michigan State into Final Four contention. ESPN’s Jay Bilas called him “a generational player who could redefine what’s possible at the collegiate level.”
But for Rioux, the mission is clear and simple.
“Statues fade. Records break. Even height shrinks over time. But Spartan loyalty?” He tapped his chest. “That’s forever.”
In a college sports landscape increasingly driven by money, Olivier Rioux just reminded the world that heart still matters. And for Michigan State, that heart comes in a size 22 sneaker.
