Buckeyes star forward E.J. Liddell declares for NBA draft

COLUMBUS — E.J. Liddell made his intentions that his junior year at Ohio State would be his last clear all season.

On Friday, he made the move official. Liddell declared for the NBA draft, ending any speculation that the end of the season provided a window for him to return for his senior season.

Liddell talked about his final game in the Schottenstein Center early in March when he was honored on Senior Day. He was candid about this being his final year with Ohio State for the last few months. It isn’t a surprise. But it will certainly be difficult to replace his 19.4 points per game and 7.9 rebounds per game, which made him a third-team All-American and first-team all-Big Ten performer.

He meant everything to the Buckeyes for the last three years.

“E.J. is such a special kid,” Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann said in the middle of the Big Ten season. “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.”

Now Liddell can work for his ultimate goal, one well beyond college basketball and Ohio State. He is confirming what he said all season, opting to head to the NBA draft. And he is expected to be a first-round pick when the draft happens.