Ohio State won't have its leading scorer for the time being.
Sophomore forward E.J. Liddell has been ruled out indefinitely with a non-COVID-19 illness, the team announced on Friday evening. In a statement, head coach Chris Holtmann expressed optimism that Liddell's absence from the lineup won't be for an extended period of time.
“I’m really disappointed for E.J. but we anticipate him returning here hopefully soon,” Holtmann said. “He is doing well and is going to be routinely evaluated by our medical staff.”
He is expected to remain out of action for at least one week, a source told Eleven Warriors, though it could be multiple weeks before he gets back to playing games for the Buckeyes. However, it's not seen as a long-term issue for Liddell, a 6-foot-7, 240-pound forward, that will not hinder him and keep him off the court for a prolonged stretch of time.
Liddell is averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, leading the team in both categories. The starting power forward dropped 17 points and grabbed six rebounds in the second half of Tuesday's win against Notre Dame.
To replace him in the starting five, Holtmann could look to Justin Ahrens, Musa Jallow or Zed Key, though it likely depends on the matchup. Either way, the Buckeyes now know they'll take the court for their next game – against Cleveland State at home on Sunday – without Liddell.
