The Giant Has Landed: Olivier Rioux Chooses Michigan State in Stunning College Basketball Twist

🏀 The Giant Has Landed: Olivier Rioux Chooses Michigan State in Stunning College Basketball Twist

In a move that’s shaking the entire college basketball landscape, Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 Canadian giant and tallest player in college basketball history, has officially decommitted from the Florida Gators and announced his commitment to Michigan State University. The decision marks one of the biggest recruiting shocks of the year — literally and figuratively.

The towering center, who has drawn global attention since his early teens, instantly makes Michigan State’s frontcourt one of the most intimidating in NCAA history. Standing nearly eight feet tall, Rioux is not just a novelty — he’s a force with legitimate basketball fundamentals: footwork, post awareness, and soft touch near the rim.

A Monumental Win for Tom Izzo

For legendary coach Tom Izzo, this commitment could represent the most game-changing addition of his career. Michigan State has always prided itself on toughness, rebounding, and disciplined defense — and Rioux fits that mold perfectly. Izzo now has a player who can singlehandedly alter opposing offenses, block shots without leaving his feet, and force teams to rethink their entire inside strategy.

Sources close to the program describe Izzo’s reaction as “ecstatic but strategic.” The veteran coach reportedly plans to build a new system around Rioux’s presence — a mix of inside-out play that mirrors his early 2000s success but with a modern twist. Imagine fast breaks anchored by a 7-foot-9 finisher who can also pass from the high post.

From Florida to East Lansing — The Decision

Rioux’s decommitment from Florida caught many by surprise. The Gators had invested heavily in recruiting him, envisioning him as the centerpiece of their next phase under Coach Todd Golden. But according to insiders, Michigan State’s pitch — centered around long-term development, exposure, and Big Ten competition — sealed the deal.

Rioux himself cited Izzo’s legendary record with developing big men as a key factor. “Coach Izzo knows how to turn size into skill,” Rioux reportedly said. “I want to be part of that culture — one that wins with defense, teamwork, and heart.”

A New Era for Michigan State

With Rioux’s arrival, Michigan State’s 2025–26 lineup suddenly looks terrifying. Imagine a frontcourt pairing of Rioux alongside power forward Jaxon Kohler or Xavier Booker, both versatile scorers who can stretch the floor. That spacing could free Rioux to dominate near the rim while protecting the paint on the defensive end.

Beyond tactics, Rioux’s presence will draw global media attention to East Lansing. The Spartans are no strangers to March Madness buzz, but with the tallest player in NCAA history suiting up, every Michigan State game will be a spectacle. Merchandise sales, ticket demand, and national TV coverage are expected to spike dramatically.

The Big Ten Just Got Bigger

Opponents are already taking notice. The Big Ten has long been known for physical play and elite big men, but Rioux’s size takes it to another level. How will traditional powerhouses like Purdue, Illinois, and Wisconsin respond to a player who can contest shots across an entire zone without moving far from the basket?

Analysts predict that Michigan State will instantly jump into preseason Top-10 discussions, with many calling this the biggest recruiting win in college basketball since Zion Williamson joined Duke.

Final Thoughts

Tom Izzo has been coaching for nearly three decades, but even he has never had a player like Olivier Rioux. This move isn’t just about size — it’s about ambition. Izzo is sending a message: Michigan State isn’t done chasing championships.

With Rioux anchoring the paint and Izzo orchestrating from the sidelines, the Spartans may have just rewritten the script for the upcoming college basketball season — and possibly the entire sport.