What E.J. Liddell coming back means for Ohio State basketball

The Ohio State basketball team got great news when it was announced that E.J. Liddell withdrew from the NBA Draft to come back to Columbus. What does it mean for their prospects in the upcoming season?

E.J. Liddell was perhaps the most consistent player for the Ohio State basketball team last year. He could be counted on game in and game out to give the Buckeyes at least 16 points a game. He was the biggest force Ohio state had in the post on offense

Now Liddell will return to the Ohio State basketball team after withdrawing his name from the NBA Draft. Liddell had been wondering if he could possibly be a first-round draft pick in the draft, but it clearly was not to be. He needs to refine his skills for that to happen.

I’ve been saying for a while that Liddell needs to come back to school. He needs to get better at ball handling as well as more consistency from three. If he can improve both of those skills, he could be a useful player in the NBA. He needs to find a position at the next level.

Improving both of those skills could help him be a nice stretch-four in the NBA. He can certainly do that with one more year under Chris Holtmann’s system. He will be the focal player on the offensive end once again and should get even more touches now that Duane Washington is leaving.

How good can Ohio State be now that Liddell has returned? I believe they will be a top 15 team in the preseason polls. The inexperience in the backcourt is what is holding them back from being a true top-tier team before the season starts. If Meechie Johnson or Malaki Branham can step up, then this team could truly be dangerous.

I am very excited to see this team in action. Liddell has a chance to be the best player in the Big Ten. If he plays like that, then Ohio State has a chance at another high seed in the NCAA Tournament.