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Ohio State adds to 2019 class with four-star forward E.J. Liddell

Ohio State v Gonzaga

BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Chris Holtmann continues to build an impressive first full recruiting class at Ohio State.

E.J. Liddell, a top-50 forward from Illinois, committed to the Buckeyes, he announced Monday via social media.

“Last season, and I’m preparing for the next chapter in my life,” said in his commitment video. “I just wanted to thank my family and especially the man above for putting me in the situation I’m in.

“I just want to say I will be taking my talents to The Ohio State University.”

Liddell is the third member of Holtmann’s 2019 class, the coach’s first true go-round on the recruiting trail since taking over Ohio State from Thad Matta last June. The first two commitments in the class are five-star prospects Alonzo Gaffney and DJ Carton.

The 6-foot-7 Liddell picked the Buckeyes over fellow finalists Illinois and Missouri. He also had offers from Louisville, Georgetown and Wisconsin, among others.

Ohio State went 25-9 and won a game as a No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament under Holtmann in his first season in Columbus since making the move from Butler. Success on the floor was nearly always a constant under Matta, but it was becoming scarcer on the recruiting trail, which ultimately lead to his ouster. Holtmann delivered the former in his first season and is now doing the same with the latter before his second.