A Strategic Addition to the Buckeye Roster
Ohio State University revealed that Lee Aaliya, a 21‑year‑old Argentinian power forward, has secured a spot on the men’s basketball roster for the 2026‑27 season. The move comes as the program finalizes its lineup, with returning star Amare Bynum and recent transfer Andrija Jelavic already anchoring the frontcourt.
Aaliya arrives after a standout season with UCAM Murcia CB in Spain’s Liga ACB, where he posted averages of 18.4 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. His professional trajectory also includes stints with Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata and Atenas de Córdoba in Argentina, giving him a deep-rooted connection to South American basketball.
Beyond club play, Aaliya has been a mainstay in the Argentinian national program, earning a silver medal at the 2022 South America U17 Championship and contributing to the U18 team’s fourth‑place finish at the 2022 Americas Championship. He was also part of the squad that placed fifth in the 2023 U19 World Cup, experiences that highlight his international pedigree.
Family background adds another layer to his story. His father, Jeff Aaliya (Musambe Tutu), is a Ghanaian‑born bodybuilder and professional wrestler who moved to Argentina in 1997, while his mother, Paula Ansín, is a native Argentine. Aaliya was born in La Plata, Argentina, a city that has produced several notable athletes.
At Ohio State, Aaliya will join a crowded frontcourt that includes sophomore Amare Bynum, Kentucky transfer Andrija Jelavic, and freshmen Alex Smith. The position is further reinforced by senior Josh Ojianwuna, junior Ivan Njegovan and freshman Vuk Lazarevic, creating a deep pool of talent that could shape the team’s rotation.
Coaching staff expect the newcomer to provide immediate depth, especially if the roster undergoes changes such as the potential return of Christoph Tilly. His blend of size, shooting touch and defensive versatility is viewed as a perfect fit for the Big Ten’s physical style, potentially giving the Buckeyes a competitive edge in upcoming matchups.