E.J. Liddell earns another first-team All-Big Ten nod
COLUMBUS — Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell is getting the recognition he deserves.
Liddell was named a first-team all-Big Ten performer by the media and Big Ten coaches on Tuesday. It’s the second straight all-conference nod for the junior who is likely going pro after the postseason. Liddell was also named to the Big Ten All-defensive team by the coaches.
Even after Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann campaigned publicly for Liddell to be Big Ten Player of the Year, the junior forward didn’t earn that title. It instead went to Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis.
But that doesn’t take away from what Liddell has done for the Buckeyes — or meant to the Ohio State program this year and throughout his entire career.
“E.J. is such a special kid,” Holtmann said when Liddell was on the verge of scoring 1,000 points earlier this year. “He’s such a special player. I think there’s going be a few tears shed in the Holtmann house and a lot of homes when he moves on, because he’s beloved by us. He’s beloved around here. He’s a tremendous kid who is also a really talented player, and he allows us to push him and challenge him in areas. I think that’s the sign of a really good kid and a really good player. …
“There’s not a bigger advocate for E.J. than me. I want every good thing that comes his way, because I know he’s going to work for it and he’s going to continue to put in the work for it.”
Liddell certainly worked for what he earned. He’s the first-team All-Big Ten performer for the second straight season. And he can help add to his legacy by taking the Buckeyes deep into the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.
The full all-Big Ten team can be found below.
All-Big Ten first team (Coaches and Media)
Purdue G Jaden Ivey
Wisconsin G Johnny Davis
Ohio State F E.J. Liddell
Iowa F Keegan Murray
Illinois C Kofi Cockburn
All-Big Ten second team (Media)
Illinois G Trent Frazier
Rutgers G Ron Harper Jr.
Indiana F Trayce Jackson-Davis
Michigan F Hunter Dickinson
Purdue F Zach Edey
All-Big Ten second team (Coaches)
Illinois G Trent Frazier
Rutgers G Ron Harper Jr.
Wisconsin G Brad Davison
Indiana F Trayce Jackson-Davis
Michigan F Hunter Dickinson
Purdue F Zach Edey
