When he left, Caroline Liddell, Eric’s mother and E.J.’s grandmother, took his seat and helped support her grandson as he waited. He sat to E.J.’s left and watched, but after nearly two hours he would have to leave and return to the hospital. Moments later, doctors came in and gave the word that he could go. Thursday morning, the deacons from the family’s church came to his hospital room and prayed with him. Eric Liddell, E.J.’s father, had spent the last several days in the hospital and was unsure if he’d be able to attend the party. That’s why I wanted to get here.”Īs the stress of the draft increased in the days leading into Thursday, the Liddells have also had to deal with a health scare. I was just really glad to be a part of it. “It was as emotional a night, in a good way, as I’ve been a part of with a family. “That family means so much to us,” Holtmann said of the Liddells. 20 by San Antonio and attended the draft after receiving a greenroom invitation. Both had visited the day before with Malaki Branham, who was picked No. So did Holtmann and Ryan Pedon, the first-year Illinois State coach who helped recruit, sign and develop Liddell at Ohio State. Projected as a potential late-first-round pick, Liddell and his family arrived roughly half an hour after the draft got underway. When Liddell committed to Ohio State, he did so at the BW3’s just across IL-15 from his alma mater where two of his cousins still work. Central time, the room was relatively full as those in attendance settled in for a meal catered by Buffalo Wild Wings. Each table featured black, gray and red balloons anchored by photos of Liddell. The entryway featured a photo backdrop as well as a life-size cardboard cutout of Liddell in an Ohio State jersey, although Keith Randolph, current Illinois defensive lineman and former Liddell teammate at West, jokingly disputed his height as he measured up next to it. 32 Ohio State jersey and a photo of the star of the hour – labeled “Eric Liddell” – dunking while playing for the Maroons. Upon entry, guests chose from a multicolored assortment of plastic whistles and hand-clappers before passing a framed No. Three ballrooms were commandeered to house the Liddell draft party. Liddell experiences emotional NBA draft before being picked by New Orleans But as Liddell, his family and his former coaches all said, that’s just fine. I’m happy they took a chance on me and I appreciate them for the opportunity.” “I’m gonna keep doing that until the day I’m gone. “I’ve been proving people wrong my whole, entire life so this isn’t anything new,” Liddell said, still wiping tears from his eyes a few moments later. But now, Liddell has a team and a clear focus on what comes next. He could feel the collective anxiety growing in the room as 40 other players were selected ahead of him. Liddell was headed to New Orleans, but for the moment he couldn’t lift his head from his hands as he wept. When he did, and Liddell heard his name called out on the broadcast projected onto a giant screen, a cacophony of sound swept through the room and shook the floor. Clair Country Club in Belleville, Illinois. Liddell poses with former Ohio State assistant Ryan Pedon (left) and head coach Chris Holtmann at his NBA draft party at the St.
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