Sunday Sitdown: SIU Big Man Rolyns Aligbe
Fresh off the news of his older brother, Prince, transferring from Seton Hall, we caught up with Rolyns Aligbe for this sibling-rivalry edition of our Sunday sitdown.
It’s official: Prince Aligbe has signed with the Salukis.
But instead of jumping straight to big brother, we wanted to check in with the guy who made it all possible — Rolyns Aligbe, the freshman-turned-foundation who quietly became one of the most efficient pieces on SIU’s roster last season.
In just 12.2 minutes per game, Rolyns racked up 101 points on 41.9 percent shooting, pulled down 3.5 boards a night, and showed flashes of big-man versatility that earned him real minutes in tight Valley battles last season. His stat line may not jump off the screen yet, but anyone watching knows the work he put in speaks volumes.
More importantly — when the transfer portal turned into a game of musical chairs, Rolyns stayed put. And then? He went to work bringing his brother with him.
Before the Aligbe reunion takes over the headlines this fall, The UnderDawg wanted to throw some shine on the returner. The one who’s not just coming back — but leveling up.
We caught up with Rolyns for a Sunday sitdown on slowing the game down, making the right reads, and what it’s like recruiting your older brother to join the squad. Oh — and there’s a third Aligbe already eyeing a roster spot.
Let’s get into it.
Let’s start with the offseason. What’s been your biggest focus since the buzzer sounded last spring?
“I’ve really been working on slowing the game down — playing with more poise. Last year, I rushed a lot of moments. I was trying to do everything at once — make the right play, impress the coaches, keep the tempo up. This offseason, it’s been about refining my pace and tightening up my three-point shot. I’ve always been able to shoot, but I want to be more consistent and confident with it.”
What was behind that feeling of rushing last year?
“It was the classic first-year thing — trying to prove yourself. You want to be on the coach’s good side, do everything right, all at once. But I’ve learned you can’t force it. Now I know I can just play. I’m going into this season with more freedom, more control, and more understanding of my role."
How’s your confidence heading into Year 2?
“It’s high. I’m really excited to get back into practice. Defensively, I want to guard multiple positions. I’ve been working on my IQ, reading things better, and understanding spacing and rotations. I want to be able to play both the four and the five and be a guy who sets the tone."
Be honest — how much film are you watching?
“A lot. And not just full games — I rewatch my own highlights. I study the plays where I rushed or missed reads. The game is about being smart and in control. That’s what I’m chasing.”
Everyone talks about the transfer portal. How close were you?
“Not close at all. Of course, people bring it up, but I knew I wanted to come back and have a big season here. There was no hesitation. I believe in what we’re building. And I wanted to be part of it.”
So let’s talk about Prince coming over from Seton Hall. How’d you seal the deal?
“He had a lot of options — Ohio State, FAU, Wisconsin, SIU. Some schools came in early, some late. People wondered why he’d move from high major to mid-major, but he saw what we’re doing here. SIU gave him the best shot to be the player he wants to be. He wants to lead. To show what he can do and prep for the next level. That’s what this program gives him.”
We hear there’s a third Aligbe in the mix. How real is the Harrison-to-Carbondale campaign?
“Very real. Harrison’s 17, and he’s about it. We’re definitely trying to get the coaches on board. He wants to be here — and trust me, we want him here too.”
Who wins the legendary Aligbe driveway battles?
“We usually break it down by zones. I win in the mid-post. Prince dominates the low post. Harrison? He’s got us both up top. It’s competitive, but it makes us all better.”
What’s it like being a student-athlete in the NIL era with so many things changing around you?
“For Prince, it helped — good money, more family access, more flexibility. Our parents can come to more games. They can stay with us. It made sense for a lot of reasons. But more than anything, he wanted to be ‘that guy.’ We’ve played together before, but now we’re more developed. Stronger. It’s going to be a good duo.”
What’s it like playing for Coach Nagy and this staff?
“They fit me really well. They coach hard — that’s life. Coach Nagy is known for giving players freedom if you earn it. That’s what got me on the floor last year. I did the dirty work. That’s how I contribute. But now, the goal is bigger. We want to win the league. That’s what we’re chasing."
How’s the chemistry looking with this year’s squad?
“We’ve got six returners and a good group of new guys coming in. Last year, it was like 13 new players. This year, the mix is tighter. Everyone’s going to be hanging out, spending time, building bonds. I think it’s going to come together really fast.”
You came from a big city. What surprised you most about life in Southern Illinois?
“Definitely a culture shock at first. It’s not Minneapolis — it’s smaller, older. But after a while, it grew on me. Now I call it home. It feels normal. Prince said the same thing after his visit. He likes it. I think he’s going to thrive here.”
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