One of the things I love most about the NBA and NFL draft is watching the reactions of players as they realize their lifelong dream of playing in the highest competitive environment in their sport. It’s pure emotion, and even the most stoic of personalities tend to let it all hang out and are overcome realizing that they just reached a fantasy of all fantasies from the vigor of their youth.
Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell put off staying in the NBA draft to focus on improving his game based on the feedback he received. The former Mr. Basketball in Illinois turned into a state sheet stuffer that can score from multiple spots on the floor, protect the rim, and be a guy that can go get a shot when you need.
Still, he fell down the NBA draft board on Thursday night for reasons only NBA scouts and executives will know. When his name was finally called by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round, he was overcome with emotion as he was surrounded by family, friends, and supporters.
Watch as Liddell’s wait on Thursday night in Belleville, Illinois, is finally realized with his name being called as a legit NBA player. The video is courtesy of Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch.
Video! The room where it happened: E.J. Liddell is drafted. #buckeyes pic.twitter.com/xq6eevwrxN
— Adam Jardy (@AdamJardy) June 24, 2022
I for one can’t wait to see Liddell prove to all of those teams that passed him up as he works just as hard as he has to date and puts together a long and productive NBA career.
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