Ohio State basketball: E.J. Liddell’s injury severity revealed

Former Ohio State basketball star E.J. Liddell slid to the second round of the NBA Draft last month and was taken by the New Orleans Pelicans. He was the Buckeyes’ best player for the last two years and was ready to show that his slide in the draft was a mistake.

Unfortunately, he might not get that chance this year. He hurt himself in a Summer League game on Monday night and had to be helped off the court with him putting no weight on his right leg. Now we know the severity of the injury, and it’s not good.

Liddell sustained a torn ACL in his right knee. There’s now a really good chance he doesn’t play at all this season and will be forced to sit out his rookie year. That’s a crushing blow for a rookie who was looking to make an impact on a team that could be pretty good down the stretch.

This is the first time that Liddell has suffered a major injury. Liddell was fairly healthy with the Ohio State basketball team. He knows that the path back will be tough, be he will be very determined to get himself healthy once again. He isn’t going to let an opportunity to be an NBA player slip away that easily.

Most torn ACLs take about a year to heal, so he probably won’t be ready until this time in 2023. He will have his work cut out for him to make the team once that rolls around though. As a second-round pick, nothing is given, especially after missing an entire year due to injury.

I feel terrible for Liddell and I hope he makes a speedy and full recovery. I have no doubt he’ll come back stronger next season and will contribute to the Pelican’s success.