Ohio State basketball: E.J. Liddell story is nonsense

The fact that someone tried to say that the Ohio State basketball player would transfer within the conference is absolute lunacy. He came out and confirmed that is not happening.

E.J. Liddell has been testing the NBA waters before making a decision on his future. That’s understandable after the year he had this past year for the Ohio State basketball team. Liddell was the team’s second-leading scorer and was the team’s leading rebounder. Most of the season, he was their best player.

It makes sense that he would at least take a look at the next level. He announced that he was entering his name into the NBA Draft but retaining his eligibility. Essentially, he’s either going pro or heading back to Columbus to play for the Buckeyes.

Now, here comes the ridiculousness. According to a story in the Champaign-Urbana (Illinois) News-Gazette, Liddell’s family had engaged in discussions for him to transfer to Illinois. This was after Liddell was spotted at Illinois’ Spring Game for their football team.

This, of course, is utterly ridiculous. Both of Liddell’s parents have come out to refute the story. Liddell was only there to support one of his best friends, who plays football for the Illini. He was there to support a friend, not talk to people about transferring.

It wouldn’t make sense for Liddell to transfer somewhere else if he is possibly looking to leave this year. That is especially true for any transfer in-conference. I’m not sure why anyone thought that this was a remote possibility, but it doesn’t make any sense.

In all likelihood, Liddell will come back for another year to refine his skills before jumping to the league. He needs some work on his three-point shot and his defense. Coming back to Ohio State would help him do both of those against a tough Big Ten Conference.

Bottom-line; Liddell is either coming back to Ohio State or going pro. He’s not transferring to Illinois. That’s just silly.