Florida’s Olivier Rioux: The Next Big NIL Star in College Basketball

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Olivier Rioux, a towering 7-foot-9 center for the Florida Gators, is making headlines not just for his height but also for his burgeoning name, image, and likeness (NIL) potential. As the Gators gear up for the NCAA tournament, Rioux is looking to capitalize on his unique stature and popularity.

Rioux, 19, recently revealed that he has received offers to participate in a TikTok collaboration with Alberta, the Gators’ mascot, showcasing his growing recognition within the sport. Despite the pressures of fame, he remains grounded, attending to autograph requests and media inquiries with remarkable ease.

“I feel a bit strange about it because you see a lot of deals happening worth millions of dollars,” Rioux told The Associated Press. “But I feel like we’ll be good.” His aspirations of monetizing his NIL rights in the U.S. stem from formally applying for a visa intended for individuals with extraordinary abilities in various fields, including athletics.

Rioux’s awareness of the trends surrounding NIL comes amidst the success of other collegiate athletes. For instance, Enmanuel, a motivational figure in college basketball with a personal story of resilience, has lucrative NIL deals totaling around $1.5 million. While Rioux’s current popularity is growing, it may not yet match Enmanuel’s, but the expectation is that it will rise as he garners more game exposure.

Under the guidance of Florida coach Todd Golden, Rioux is working on improving his athletic capabilities despite currently redshirting and not participating in competitive play this year. Golden commented positively on Rioux’s development, noting, “He’s way more athletic now than when he got here. He’s been incredibly coachable.”

Rioux is also making adventurous plans, such as working with Florida quarterback DJ Lagway on a charity cruise project that will be filmed for a video series titled “Ollie’s Adventures.” Although he is not fond of boats, Rioux is excited about the promotional opportunities that await him.

As the Gators prepare for the NCAA Tournament, Rioux has his sights set on a tryout with the Canadian national team post-season, which promises another level of competition and exposure. “It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m excited to see how I perform,” Rioux said.

Fans already seek out Rioux after games for photos and autographs, and with the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, his star is expected to rise further. “I’m ready for it,” he said, anticipating the attention and possible mascot dance-offs that might come his way.