Ohio State coach says Liddell’s injury is a mere speedbump on road to NBA career

Given his history of durability and his dedication to training, Ohio State University basketball coach Chris Holtmann believes E.J. Liddell’s knee injury is a mere speedbump on the Belleville star’s NBA career.

Liddell, a graduate of Belleville West and a second-round draft pick out of OSU last month, suffered a torn ACL in the New Orleans Pelicans’ summer league game against the Atlanta Hawks Monday. He was carried off the court by teammates.

He’ll be out indefinitely, the team says.

Holtmann said he had no idea about the severity of Liddell’s injury while watching the game on television, but reached out to Liddel’s family the night of the injury knowing that an MRI would be forthcoming.

“I think he is handling it like you’d expect,” said Holtmann. “A mature kid to handle things and he is understandably kind of working through all the emotions of being injured really for the first time ever.”

In the 12 minutes on the court, Liddell scored 6 points, grabbed 4 rebounds while shooting 100% from the floor. Earlier in the game, he went down on his right knee after a fall from a contested layup during the game and decided to come back in.

Attempts to reach Liddell for comment have not been successful.

Holtmann didn’t comment on trainers’ decision to allow Liddell to re-enter the game, but said his history of avoiding injury bodes well for his future.

“I know the Pelicans are going to take care of him in terms of getting him to the right doctors to have a great surgery and procedure,” Holtmann said.

Multiple NBA mock drafts had Liddell going in the first round, most predicting he’d land with the Chicago Bulls with the 18th overall pick. Holtmann says the Pelicans got a bargain in Liddell in the second round with pick No. 41.

Holtmann calls Liddell “a terrific talent, terrific kid and terrific player” who will be a tough outside-inside combo forward with an “elite” ability to block shots.

“On top of that, they get one of the finest kids I have ever coached, so they’re getting the complete package in my mind,” he said.

The Pelicans are coming off a solid season in which they qualified for the NBA play-in tournament. They are a progressing young team filled with multiple interchangeable athletes where Liddell seems to make a good fit. Holtman said the Pelicans like Liddell’s versatility and his ability to play different positions.

As a second-round pick, Liddell has yet to reach contract terms with the NBA club. Holtmann the Pelicans won’t give up on Liddell despite the injury.

“I think the Pelicans were fortunate that he was there,” Holtmann said. “They see his value, who he can be, what he can be long term and I know they have a high belief in him.”

Liddell, twice named Illinois’ Mr. Basketball and a two-time state champion while at Belleville West, will have a tough recovery ahead of him, his college coach admits.

“But I love the kid. I’m going to be there every step of the way through his rehab and he’s still a big part of our program, as is (Liddell’s parents) Eric and Michelle along with the entire Liddell family,” said Holtmann. “We’re going to support him through this.”