E.J. Liddell named finalist for Karl Malone Power Forward of Year Award
COLUMBUS — Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell continues to rack up awards and recognition.
The Big Ten and national player of the year candidate can add another major achievement to his growing list. He was officially named one of five finalists for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award on Thursday.
Liddell is joined by Duke’s Paolo Banchero, Auburn’s Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren from Gonzaga and Keegan Murray from Iowa as finalists for the award, which is given annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Liddell has been a catalyst for the Ohio State success this season. He averages 19.6 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game this year — his third and likely last year playing for the Buckeyes. During his career, Liddell has helped the program get back to its standard of winning — and he means a lot to everyone who has been with him at Ohio State.
“E.J. is such a special kid,” Ohio State coach Chris 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.”
He has worked to be one of the best in the country at Ohio State. Now he is being recognized as such.
Remaining Ohio State schedule
March 3 – Michigan State (Value City Arena)
March 6 – Michigan (Value City Arena)
March 9-13 – Big Ten Tournament (Indianapolis)
TBD – NCAA Tournament
