Ohio State Basketball: Buckeyes land top 2019 PF EJ Liddell

Ohio State basketball coach Chris Holtmann exceeded expectations in his first year on the hardwood. Now he’s exceeding expectations on the recruiting trail, bringing in his third top-50 player for 2019.

Another elite recruit has decided to join the Ohio State basketball program. Chris Holtmann added the final jewel to a top-5 recruiting class when Illinois power forward EJ Liddell announced his decision to commit to play for the Buckeyes.

Liddell, the number 48 prospect in the county and the 10th ranked power forward, chose Ohio State over Missouri and Illinois. He joins a class that includes 5-star PG DJ Carton and 4-star SF Alonzo Gaffney. The Ohio State recruiting class is now ranked in the top five in the country.

Only USC, Louisville, and Kentucky are currently ranked ahead of the Buckeyes.

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That class ranking is likely to drop as Liddell would complete the class by taking the final remaining scholarship for 2019. Other schools will add more players.

However, the Buckeyes’ class sports an average player rating of 98.85.

Liddell is a 6’7″, 220 lb banger, a true post player known for his rebounding and toughness, along with his ability to score in the paint. He was coach Chris Holtmann’s top remaining target, filling a hole on the roster that none of the recruits or current players really can.

The top player in Illinois also gives the Buckeyes a huge win in the basketball-rich state, one that could pay dividends down the road. Liddell’s commitment proves Holtmann and his staff can earn the wins on the recruiting trail that increasingly eluded Thad Matta in his final years.

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Liddell and the rest of the 2019 recruits will be eligible to sign beginning November 14th, the start of the early signing period for basketball.

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