COLUMBUS, Ohio – E.J. Liddell was added to the national ballot for the 2021 John R. Wooden Award Saturday. The announcement was made during ESPN’s College GameDay Show earlier today.
The national ballot is made up of 15 players as selected by the Wooden Award National Advisory Board. All are candidates for the Wooden Award All-American Team and the Wooden Award Trophy, given to the most outstanding college basketball player in the United States.
Chris Holtmann, head coach of the Buckeyes, said Liddell’s is worthy of the recognition by the Wooden Award.
“We are very proud of EJ and the sophomore season he has put together,” Holtmann said. “This is another tremendous honor for him and he has earned it. I know he is hungry to continue to grow as a player and leader on our team and finish our season strong. E.J. is a special young man has been an absolute joy to coach. We are excited about his continued growth as a player and person here.”
Liddell, a sophomore forward from Belleville, Illinois, leads Ohio State in scoring (15.9 ppg.), rebounding (6.7 rpg.) and blocks (26). He has connected on 50% of his field goal attempts (122-244) and has made foul shots at a 75% clip (104-138).
All balloted players have been certified by their university to meet or exceed the qualifications for the Wooden Award as set forth by Coach Wooden when the Award was established. The qualifications include: candidates must exhibit strength of character, both on and off the court; candidates must be full-time students in an accredited NCAA college or university; candidates must be making progress toward graduation and have a cumulative 2.00 grade point average since enrolling in their school; candidates must contribute to team effort; candidates must excel in both offense and defense; and candidates should be considered on their performance over the course of the entire season.
Voting will take place from March 15-22, and voters take into consideration a player’s entire season of play, as well as the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The finalists for the 2021 Wooden Award presented by Wendy’s will be announced on March 26th.
Liddell also has been named to the 2021 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Midseason Team for Men’s Player of the Year.
No. 7 Ohio State faces No. 5 Illinois at 4 p.m. today at Value City Arena in the regular-season finale for the Buckeyes (18-7, 12-7).
🙌 @EasyE2432 has been named a 2021 @WoodenAward Candidate! #Team122 #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/yc41lqxfwY
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) March 6, 2021
#GoBuckeyes
