The 15th and final spot on the 2026-27 roster is officially accounted for as Argentina’s Lee Aaliya is set to become the latest addition to Ohio State’s revamped 2026-27 roster, giving head coach Jake Diebler another intriguing piece in the frontcourt. The 21 year old Aaliya boasts a 6-foot-9, 225-pound frame and brings an unusual level of professional experience for a player entering the college game, having played professionally in Argentina and Spain. Aaliya originally committed to Michigan in 2023 but never appeared in a game for the Wolverines before returning to the professional ranks. He has also represented Argentina at the senior level and was one of the standout players at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup, averaging 17.1 points and nine rebounds per game.

For Ohio State, Aaliya provides another layer of depth and versatility to a frontcourt that already features considerable size and young talent. Playing the majority of his minutes at the 4, he will give Coach Diebler the option to play him alongside one of the Buckeyes’ bigger centers rather than relying exclusively on traditional two-big lineups. His professional background could also be particularly valuable on a roster that is transitioning from the leadership of Bruce Thornton and integrating a large number of new players. Aaliya has already faced experienced competition and should arrive with a level of physical maturity that is difficult to find in a typical college newcomer. His international background also fits the increasingly diverse makeup of Ohio State’s roster. The Buckeyes’ official 2026-27 roster already includes a number of talented frontcourt options, including Amare Bynum and Andrija Jelavic, making Aaliya another piece in what could become one of the deepest frontcourts in a very long time for the Buckeyes.

-Jason Harris