Projected first-round pick E.J. Liddell to hire agent, enter NBA draft

Liddell led the Big Ten in blocked shots and was ninth in the country in free throws made and seventh in attempts.

Ohio State Buckeyes junior E.J. Liddell announced recently that he will hire an agent and enter the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Liddell, who was a consensus All-American, averaged 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.5 assists in 32 games this season. He led the Big Ten in blocked shots and was ninth in the country in free throws made (169) and seventh in attempts (221).

He will leave seventh in program history with 143 career blocks.

The 6-foot-7 forward tested the pre-draft process last year but ultimately decided to return to school. The decision to play one more season in college appeared to pay off as the 21-year-old is most commonly projected to be a mid-first-round pick.

Liddell proved to be a strong scorer throughout the season, finishing in double figures in every game. He showed promise as a floor-spacer after converting on 37.4% of his 3.8 attempts per game from 3-point range, while he also has a nice mid-range game, as well.

He will have the opportunity to participate in private workouts with teams and improve his draft stock. He also figures to be a strong candidate to earn an invitation to compete in the draft combine next month.

The 2022 NBA draft will take place on June 23.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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