Ohio State's Liddell to return for junior season

Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell will withdraw from the 2021 NBA draft and return to the Buckeyes for his junior year, he told ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

"This was a pretty difficult decision," he said. "No one in my family has ever been this close to getting to a professional league.

"After many conversations with my parents and coaches, I understood that returning was the best thing for me. Anyone can get signed to play in the NBA. I absolutely could have gotten a contract. But it's not about getting in the NBA, it's about staying in for the long-term."

Liddell led the Buckeyes last season with 6.7 rebounds in 29.4 minutes per game, while his 16.2 points per game ranked second on the team behind only Duane Washington (16.4). The 20-year-old also averaged 1.8 assists, 1.1 blocks, and shot 33.8% from deep, and was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection.

Ohio State made it to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed but suffered an upset loss in the first round to Oral Roberts.

Liddell declared for the NBA draft on March 31, but to retain his college eligibility, he elected not to hire an agent.

NCAA players have until Wednesday to formally withdraw from the 2021 NBA draft and maintain their eligibility.