NBA Draft 2021: A look at the 10 best Big Ten Basketball prospects

EJ Liddell – Ohio State – 6’7, 240 lbs – Sophomore – December 2000

I’ve seen Liddell play since he was dominating Illinois high school basketball and while he’s always been a plus defensive prospect, I wasn’t surprised to see his offensive development in year two. Liddell quietly averaged 16.2 points per game, while making 27 threes at a 33% clip.

Used as an outside-in big for the Buckeyes, Liddell succeeded in stretching opposing Big Ten defenders out to the perimeter. His foot speed allowed him to attack gaps and he got to the free throw line an impressive 5.8 times per game. He’s got a good feel as a passer and projects as someone who will have success in the short roll.

Improving his on-ball skills could bump that skill even more, and a return to college to get on-ball reps may prove beneficial. He makes up for being undersized with good two-foot leaping ability and touch around the rim.

The 33% mark from deep is probably the thing holding people back from buying stock on the offensive end, but the soft touch, positive free throw percentage, and improvement towards the end of the year are all indicators he’ll be able to shoot.

Defensively, Liddell is a weird eval because while he projects as a four at the next level, the Buckeyes lack of size had him guarding fives. He’s got terrific shot-blocking instincts on that end to go with strength. I buy his foot speed to keep up with NBA fours. He was one of nine underclassmen with a box plus/minus of at least +7.5 and a block rate of 4.1

Frankly, I’m puzzled by the lack of discourse surrounding Liddel’s draft stock. He’s definitely undersized as a front court player (he looks a bit shorter than 6’7 in person), but I buy the IQ, work ethic, and ability to shoot down the line. To me, he has the tools of a modern NBA four and potential small-ball five, with shades of PJ Washington in his game. He’s a late-first, early second-round caliber prospect to me.