7-Foot Big Man Christoph Tilly officially Joins Ohio State Basketball…read more.
Ohio State men’s basketball has landed a major addition to its frontcourt with the transfer of 7-foot center Christoph Tilly from Santa Clara. The towering big man officially announced his move on Friday, marking a significant pickup for the Buckeyes as they look to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
Tilly, originally from Germany, spent the past two seasons with Santa Clara where he developed into a reliable interior presence. Though he saw limited minutes during his freshman campaign, he showed notable growth in his sophomore year, averaging 6.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting over 55% from the field.
His combination of size, shot-blocking ability, and potential on both ends of the floor made him an attractive target in the transfer portal. Tilly’s presence is expected to bring depth and rim protection to an Ohio State team that has been seeking more size in the paint after recent roster changes and injuries.
Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler praised Tilly’s work ethic and upside, expressing excitement about how he fits into the Buckeyes’ system. “Christoph brings a lot of intangibles we value—size, toughness, and a willingness to learn. We believe he can make a strong impact here,” Diebler said in a statement.
Tilly will be eligible to play immediately and is expected to compete for significant minutes as the Buckeyes prepare for what they hope will be a strong run in the Big Ten and beyond.
