Nov. 12, 2003

St. Louis - Saint Louis University head men's basketball coach Brad Soderberg today announced that 6-foot-4 swingman Tommie Liddell (East St. Louis, Ill. / East St. Louis) has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University and play basketball for the Billikens. He will have four years of eligibility beginning with the 2004-05 academic year.

"Tommie is one of the most gifted perimeter players that I've seen at the high school level," Soderberg said. "He has the skill, feel for the game and size to play any of the guard positions in college. We are so excited about the type of player that Tommie can become. As good as he is right now, his best ball is still ahead of him."

Liddell averaged 17.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.7 steals and 2.1 blocks per game last year. He shot 52.7 percent from the floor and 70 percent from the free throw line. He was a first-team All-Southwestern Conference selection and a St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro pick. He was invited to the Nike Camp last summer and was a Nike All-America. He attended the NBA instructional camp for high school players in New York during June.

Former Billiken guard Erwin Claggett coached Liddell on the St. Louis Eagles AAU team. "Tommie has a great feel for the game and played well for us at small forward, shooting guard and at the point," Claggett said. "He will be a welcome addition at SLU, because he is a great kid, is respectful and is coachable. He knows the game and will become a great Division I player over the next four years."

Street and Smith's College Basketball Preview lists Liddell as a high honorable mention All-America. He is ranked as the sixth-best senior in Illinois.