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Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing top 15 players from 2019 recruiting class

By Joey Loose

MARIETTA, GA - MARCH 25: (L-R) Wendell Moore Jr., Isaiah Stewart, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Matthew Hurt pose during the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images for Powerade)
MARIETTA, GA - MARCH 25: (L-R) Wendell Moore Jr., Isaiah Stewart, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Matthew Hurt pose during the 2019 Powerade Jam Fest on March 25, 2019 in Marietta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images for Powerade) /
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TULSA, OKLAHOMA – MARCH 22: Andre Wesson #24 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts with C.J. Jackson #3, Musa Jallow #2 and Kaleb Wesson #34 against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half in the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 22, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
TULSA, OKLAHOMA – MARCH 22: Andre Wesson #24 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts with C.J. Jackson #3, Musa Jallow #2 and Kaleb Wesson #34 against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half in the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 22, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

4. EJ Liddell (Ohio State – PF)

A native of Belleville, Illinois (near St. Louis), the 6’7 Liddell is another member of Holtmann’s impressive recruiting class. He paid visits to Missouri and Illinois among a large group of offers, but committed to the Buckeyes in November.

At initial glance, Liddell is undersized as a power forward, though he does have the ability to play both forward shots. In reality, his athletic ability make up for his size, exhibiting his drive and toughness. He’s the kind of player who gives his all on defense and makes a habit of disrupting shots. His rebound ability is acceptable for a power forward, though he’ll need to continue working on his jumper. His lanky build might require some added muscle to make a major impact at the 4. Improved strength and a consistent jumper will go a long way towards upping his game.

Liddell will likely split minutes with junior Kyle Young at power forward, giving him time to further develop his game. Don’t underestimate him; he wasn’t a top 50 prospect by mistake. He was the best high school player in Illinois last season, piling up points, rebounds, and blocks with relative ease. Expect him to make an impact on this team, though the Buckeyes shouldn’t need to depend on him being a go-to option this year.

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