WATCH: Ohio State basketball sends message to Buckeye Nation
A few days following their second round NCAA Tournament defeat against Villanova, Ohio State basketball sent a video message to Buckeyes fans on Twitter. OSU’s Kyle Young, EJ Liddell and Jamari Wheeler each appeared in the video, where they offered their thank you to the program for the time spent there.
Both Young and Wheeler were fifth-year seniors this past season, and thus used their final year of eligibility. Liddell just finished up his junior season at Ohio State, but is a projected lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Based on his comments in the video, it certainly seems like this year may have been his last in a Buckeyes jersey.
“They believed in me, and that’s a big thing,” Liddell said in the video. “I’m happy that I’m a part of the family and when I’m an alumni I will always be connected to the university. …Playing here and just leaving my legacy, it means a lot. I’m a Buckeye for life.”
Liddell declared for the draft after his sophomore season, but ultimately withdrew his name and decided to return for a third year in Columbus. The 6-foot-7 forward has made massive improvements to his game throughout his college career, going from 6.7 points per game as a freshman to 19.5 this past season. He also averaged 7.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per contest.
“I just think he’s a great example of a kid who’s, one, a great kid, and has literally gotten better in front of our eyes every year,” Ohio State basketball coach Chris Holtmann said prior to the Buckeyes game against Villanova. “He had a real choice. I think he clearly made the right choice in coming back. But sometimes kids come back and they don’t see great improvement in their game for whatever reason. They just don’t. We could talk about a number of guys. He’s really improved, and for me, it’s a great reward because I know it’s going to benefit him in terms of his professional career and his professional opportunities in the NBA. That’s exciting to see that happen for a kid.”
Young spent all five years of his college career with the Buckeyes, and was a regular starter for the team 2019-20 and 2020-21 before shifting to the bench this past season. He averaged 6.5 points on 55.9% shooting and 4.5 rebounds across 20.4 minutes throughout his five college seasons.
Wheeler joined Ohio State this offseason after playing four seasons for Big Ten rival Penn State. He had the best season of his career in Columbus, starting 31 games while averaging 7.1 points, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals.
“Coming here, I just wanted to give this university and this team everything I could form Day 1,” Young said. “That’s all I strive to do. Every time I get on the floor I want to give 100%. I really appreciate Buckeye Nation supporting me and our team. These memories that I have over these past five years, it’s been a wild journey and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.”
Young made four NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons with the Buckeyes, and would have gotten a fifth had the COVID-19 pandemic not canceled the 2020 tournament. Ohio State basketball will certainly look a lot different without these faces next year, but Holtmann looks to keep the Buckeyes strong despite the losses.