WELCOME TO OKLAHOMA CITY BASKETBALL: Nation’s No. 1 Player, 7-Foot-9 Olivier Rioux, Shocks College Basketball World as He Flips Commitment to Oklahoma City Thunder Over Powerhouses Like Duke, NC State, and Alabama
In one of the most astonishing moves in modern basketball history, Olivier Rioux, the towering 7-foot-9 center and consensus No. 1 high school player in the nation, has stunned the college basketball world by flipping his commitment—not to another school, but to the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Canadian-born phenom was widely expected to sign with one of several elite college programs, with Duke, NC State, and Alabama leading the race. Yet, in a stunning announcement broadcast live on national television, Rioux stood tall—literally and figuratively—unzipped his jacket, and revealed an Oklahoma City Thunder jersey underneath.
“I respect all the great programs that recruited me,” Rioux said. “But when it came down to it, I had to follow my heart. I’ve always wanted to challenge myself at the highest level. The Thunder believe in me, not just as a player, but as a person. I’m ready to go to work.”
Rioux’s decision comes amidst changing tides in the basketball world. With the NBA increasingly flexible regarding early entry and developmental contracts under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, top-tier prospects now have more opportunities to turn pro while still receiving elite training and mentorship. For Rioux, who’s been in the national spotlight since age 12 due to his unprecedented height, this move makes a loud and clear statement: he’s ready for the big stage now.
Who Is Olivier Rioux?
Standing 7-foot-9 with a reported 8-foot-1 wingspan and size 22 shoes, Rioux has been grabbing headlines for nearly a decade. But make no mistake—he’s not just tall. He’s a remarkably agile, skilled, and high-IQ basketball player. Despite his size, Rioux moves with surprising fluidity, can finish around the rim with finesse, run the floor with grace, and has even developed a mid-range jumper and solid passing vision out of the post.
“People used to think I was a novelty because of my height,” Rioux said recently. “But I’ve worked every day to become a complete basketball player. I’m not just big—I’m ready.”
His game, combined with his physical gifts, has scouts buzzing about his long-term potential. Many have labeled him a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, and his decision to join Oklahoma City’s developmental pipeline accelerates that trajectory.
Why Oklahoma City?
The Oklahoma City Thunder, already one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA, have quickly built a reputation for being a forward-thinking organization that excels in developing raw talent. With cornerstone stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, the Thunder are no longer just rebuilding—they’re reloading for dominance.
According to reports, the Thunder offered Rioux a unique hybrid contract: a structured developmental program under the organization’s supervision, combined with professional-level training and the opportunity to transition seamlessly into the main roster. In essence, Oklahoma City is offering Rioux the ideal environment to thrive: low pressure, elite coaching, and a future-focused franchise.
“We see Olivier as a special talent with untapped potential,” Thunder GM Sam Presti said in a statement. “We’re honored that he chose to grow within our system, and we’re committed to helping him become the best version of himself.”
Ripple Effects Across the Basketball World
Rioux’s decision marks a seismic shift in the landscape of high-level basketball recruiting. Programs like Duke, NC State, and Alabama had invested significant time and resources into landing the 7-foot-9 center. His sudden flip not only left those schools scrambling but also raised broader questions about the future of college basketball’s top pipeline.
“If elite players can go directly into NBA systems with developmental contracts and security, we may see fewer and fewer top prospects going the traditional college route,” said one high-profile college coach anonymously. “It’s a game-changer.”
And fans? They’re already dreaming big. Social media exploded after the announcement, with Thunder faithful imagining a frontcourt of Chet Holmgren and Olivier Rioux—a shot-blocking, rim-protecting duo taller than anything the league has ever seen.
Olivier’s Message
In his final remarks during the announcement, Rioux made it clear: this isn’t about fame, it’s about fulfillment.
“I know there’s pressure. I know expectations are high,” he said. “But I’m not afraid of the work. I’m not afraid of the journey. I’m here to help the Thunder win—and to make history doing it.”
And just like that, Oklahoma City—already one of the NBA’s most exciting stories—has become the epicenter of basketball’s future.
Welcome to Oklahoma City, Olivier Rioux. The league may never be the same.
