Syracuse Targets 7-Foot-9 Transfer to Bolster 2-3 Zone

Gerry McNamara eyes dominant center to anchor iconic Orange defense

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:47pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp planes of orange, blue, and white representing the players and action on the court.A cubist reimagining of Syracuse's legendary 2-3 zone defense, with a towering 7-foot-9 center anchoring the middle.Syracuse Today

With Gerry McNamara potentially returning to Syracuse as head coach, the program is eyeing 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux as a key transfer target to anchor the team's iconic 2-3 zone defense. Rioux, who recently entered the transfer portal, would provide an imposing presence in the middle of the zone if he joins the Orange.

Why it matters

Syracuse's 2-3 zone defense has been a hallmark of the program for decades, but the team has lacked a dominant interior presence in recent years. Adding a player of Rioux's size and skill set could help the Orange return to their defensive roots and compete at a high level in the ACC.

The details

At 7-foot-9, Olivier Rioux would give Syracuse an unparalleled advantage in the middle of the 2-3 zone. His towering presence and ability to protect the rim could transform the Orange's defensive identity. Rioux has impressed in limited minutes at his previous schools, showcasing impressive shot-blocking instincts and the potential to be a dominant force on that end of the floor.

  • Rioux recently entered the NCAA transfer portal after two seasons at a smaller program.
  • McNamara, a Syracuse legend, is rumored to be a top candidate for the head coaching job if it becomes available.

The players

Gerry McNamara

A former Syracuse player and assistant coach, McNamara is considered a leading candidate to become the next head coach of the Orange men's basketball team.

Olivier Rioux

A 7-foot-9 center who recently entered the NCAA transfer portal after two seasons at a smaller program, Rioux is a potential target for Syracuse as they look to bolster their iconic 2-3 zone defense.

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What they’re saying

“Olivier Rioux is the kind of player that could really transform our defense and bring back the identity of Syracuse basketball.”

— Gerry McNamara, Rumored Syracuse Head Coach Candidate

What’s next

If McNamara is hired as the new Syracuse head coach, his first priority will be to recruit Rioux and convince him to join the Orange program.

The takeaway

The potential pairing of Gerry McNamara and Olivier Rioux at Syracuse could signal a return to the program's defensive roots and a renewed focus on the iconic 2-3 zone that has made the Orange a perennial NCAA Tournament contender.