Ohio State Basketball: Is Liddell in serious consideration for National Player of the Year?

At the beginning of the Ohio State basketball season I’m not sure many people would’ve thought that E.J. Liddell would be in the conversation for National Player of the Year. It’s that time of the season to start thinking of guys that can be in that category, and Mr. Liddell is right at the top of everyone’s list.

After having a stellar sophomore season, Liddell went and tested the NBA waters to figure out where he could adjust his game to transition it to the next level. He then decided to come back to Ohio State for his junior season which is off to a tremendous start.

Liddell has been a massive mismatch problem on the offensive end. He has developed a consistent outside jump shot, which helps stretch the floor for the Buckeyes. He also isn’t afraid to battle down low and finish on the inside. For EJ being 6’7″, his strength and capability to finish inside is a huge bonus for this Buckeyes team and it is also unique for a player of his size.

Liddell has also been great on the defensive end of the floor. Improving on defense was a main focus of Liddell’s coming into this season, and he has improved exponentially.

Defense has been the backbone of this Ohio State basketball team and I think Liddell is the main part of that. Not only can E.J. defend on the inside and battle with bigs, but this season we’ve seen him more out on the perimeter picking up the athletic forwards and he’s been able to hold his own against guards in switching actions. Liddell’s improvement in on-ball defense will definitely help him transition to the next level.

A rim protector was also a need for the Ohio State defense coming into this season and Liddell has filled that role by averaging 3 blocks per game. Liddell is the best help defender in America. His blocks come from rotations as well as from his very impressive timing. I think because of this he should be in the conversation of Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year as well as Player of the Year.

Liddell is averaging a very impressive 19.6 PPG, which ranks 30th in all of Division I men’s college basketball, on 51.8% shooting from the field and 33.3% from three. He’s also grabbed an average of 7.3 RPG and is just shy of 3 APG.

I personally think Liddell is the best player in college basketball right now. I say that because even though he has had some extraordinary games, he had a rather difficult one this past Sunday against Nebraska and was able to still contribute in a big way. Liddell had 10 points and shot a poor 14.3% from the field. But what impressed me the most in the game was EJ’s ability to find other ways to help lead the Buckeyes to a hard-fought win in Lincoln.

Liddell snatched up 8 rebounds, had 4 blocks, and was able to create opportunities for his teammates by dishing out a career-high 7 assists. Liddell still finding ways to win while having a poor offensive night is the main reason why he is the best player in college basketball.

Liddell and the rest of the Ohio State basketball team will be back in action Thursday when they take on another Big Ten star in Trayce Jackson-Davis and the Indiana Hoosiers in Assembly Hall. Tune into the star-studded, Big Ten matchup on Fox Sports 1 for a 7:00 pm tip.