Ohio State Basketball: Projecting 2021-22 starting lineup for Buckeyes

PISCATAWAY, NJ - JANUARY 09: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Ohio State Buckeyes talks to his team during a college basketball game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Rutgers Athletic Center on January 9, 2021 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Ohio State defeated Rutgers 79-68. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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E.J. Liddell Ohio State Basketball (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Forward: EJ Liddell

Along with Duane Washington, Liddell has also entered his name into the NBA Draft. Similar to Washington his name just isn’t showing up on any draft boards. That being said we have seen some Buckeyes in the past enter unexpectedly and go undrafted. But for the sake of the argument, coach Holtman should expect Liddell back on campus in the fold.

Liddell took a huge leap from his freshman campaign. After taking on a bigger role this season he really saw his numbers pop. Improving his points from 6.7 to 16.2 and his rebounds from 3.8 to 6.7. This earned him a spot on the All-Big Ten first team.

After the loss to Oral Roberts, Liddell received death threats via his Twitter.

"Honestly, what did I do to deserve this? I’m human,” “Comments don’t get to me but I just wanna know why. I’ve never done anything to anyone in my life to be approached like this.” -@EasyE2432"

Now I don’t think that this is going to impact his decision whether to return to school or not, but I am sure it does play a factor. The way I see it it can work one of two ways, either it’s used as fuel to play his heart out for the true fans or it makes him distances himself from the program.

Growing up on the outskirts of Columbus, I know firsthand Buckeye fans are monitoring Liddell’s decision closely. If Liddell does decide to go pro the whole outlook of next season will change. If he returns as everyone expects, expect to see the Buckeyes amongst the top teams entering next season.

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