Former Belleville West star will get picked in NBA Draft. How high and by which team?

Thursday’s NBA draft will take on added interest in the metro-east as former Belleville West and Ohio State star E.J. Liddell figures to hear his name called.

Looking at mock drafts, one thing seems fairly certain: Experts predict Liddell, a 6-7, 240 pound forward, to be picked in the first round. When and where he ends up is a bit more a mystery at this point.

Liddell, 20, is a two-time Illinois Mr. Basketball in addition to leading the Maroons to their first state basketball titles. He secured those honors for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, his junior and senior seasons at West.

He then went on to Ohio State and enjoyed a tremendous three-year career culminating with his All-America selection as a junior last year.

Liddell also declared for the draft following the 2020-21 campaign, ultimately returned to Ohio State for his junior season and now is ready to take the next step to the NBA.

Here is a look at what some of the experts are saying ahead of Thursday’s draft, which starts at 7 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on ESPN.

ESPN

ESPN projects Liddell going as the No. 24 overall pick to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Here’s what ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said about Liddell, “The Bucks are said to be exploring a host of options with this pick, with names including Andrew Nembhard, Jake LaRavia, Christian Braun and Ismael Kamagate bandied about and indicating the team is exploring “older” players who can help the team win now while its championship window is open. Rival teams say the Bucks have indicated a willingness to explore moving up in the mid-to-late teens portion of the first round, potentially targeting some of the draft’s best 7-footers like Mark Williams and Walker Kessler.

“Beyond that, with several frontcourt players on expiring contracts or entering their final seasons, adding an All-American big man such as Liddell could be attractive. Liddell is a solid rim protector who can switch on the perimeter and improved his shooting significantly as a junior, giving him a high floor as a prospect. Liddell’s productivity and toughness make him a solid option at this stage of the draft.”

CBS

Gary Parrish of CBS has Liddell going No. 23 in the first round to the Milwaukee Bucks as well: “Liddell is the type of player who could help Milwaukee’s core — a core highlighted, of course, by Giannis Antetokounmpo — theoretically compete for another title next season. He’s undersized but effective and ready to contribute.”

Kyle Boone has Liddell going No. 22 in the first round to the Memphis Grizzlies: “Memphis’ front office has in the past put a high value on college production, making Liddell, one of the most productive players in college hoops the last few seasons, squarely in the mix here (if he’s not already taken). Slightly undersized power forward who plays way above his 6-7 frame and has improved dramatically as a shooter the last year.”

David Cobb has Liddell going No. 20 in the first round to the San Antonio Spurs: “Liddell is like a slightly more athletic version of third-year Celtics forward Grant Williams, who is playing a big role for Boston in the NBA Playoffs after he was taken with the No. 22 pick in 2019. He’s got a stocky build reminiscent of a traditional post player but can shoot 3-pointers and is agile enough to hold his own as a versatile weapon in the NBA.”

Colin Ward-Henninger has Liddell going No. 23 in the first round to the Philadelphia 76ers: “Liddell makes sense for the Sixers for a few reasons. As a 21-year-old, he should be able to contribute immediately for a team in need of a backup big man. He also is a versatile, defensive-minded forward with an incredible motor, who gets a ton of blocks and steals due to his 7-foot wingspan and instincts. Offensively he can space the floor as a 3-point shooter and also operate as a playmaker in short roll situations. Overall, Liddell seems like the right guy for Philadelphia if he’s still around at No. 23.”

The Athletic

This publication listed Liddell as a good fit for the Chicago Bulls at No. 18. Their draft guru, Sam Vecenie, said this about Liddell, “Liddell was one of the best players in the country this season and, certainly, among the most productive across the board. He averaged 19 points, nearly eight rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. He also did it on real efficiency while shooting 49 percent from the field and 37 percent from 3. NBA scouts have similar worries with Liddell that they did last year in terms of his lateral quickness and positioning on defense. Some scouts think he could play some five because of his shot-blocking ability, à la an undersized guy like Grant Williams, but others are less convinced due to his lack of size. On top of that, despite the jump in 3-point percentage, teams are a bit worried about how much his shot is taken on a flat trajectory.”

USA Today

This publication has Liddell going No. 20 to San Antonio, which has two first round picks: “Liddell improved across the board — shooting, passing, rebounding and shot blocking — in his junior season. Projected as a small forward who could play some small-ball power forward in the NBA, Liddell can play inside and outside offensively and has the strength to absorb contact and finish at the rim. This would give the Spurs some bulk.”

247 Sports

Adam Finkelstein of 247 Sports has Liddell going No. 18 in the first round to the Chicago Bulls: “The Bulls are in win-now move and Liddell is a player who can help contribute to that right away. He was one of the most reliable players in the Big Ten last year and also fits a positional need for the Bulls as they keep bringing Patrick Williams along.”

Brief snapshot of Ohio State career

Liddell enjoyed a fantastic three seasons for the Buckeyes, averaging 6.7 points per game as a freshman, 16.2 per game as a sophomore and 19.7 per game as a junior. Additionally, he averaged 3.8 rebounds per game as a freshman, 6.7 per game as a sophomore and 7.9 per game as a junior.

Along the way, Liddell helped Ohio State to an overall record of 62-32, a mark of 35-25 in the Big Ten and two NCAA Tournament appearances (the Buckeyes would have made it in 2019-20 had COVID not canceled the NCAA Tournament).

This story was originally published June 22, 2022 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Former Belleville West star will get picked in NBA Draft. How high and by which team?."