Top college prospect Jared Sullinger ready to go pro – NBA Update
Two-time All-American forward Jared Sullinger led Ohio State to the final four this season and now the talented youngster has decided that it is time to go pro.
He will be available for the June NBA draft, giving up his final two seasons with Buckeyes.
“Going to the Final Four with a team that many people said we weren't good enough, weren't strong enough, weren't mentally tough enough, and still being able to get to the Final Four with all the ups and downs we had, I think that
was tremendous for this basketball team," Sullinger said, flanked by his parents and coach Thad Matta. "Once we got to the Final Four, we were trying to win it. But unfortunately, we fell short. I feel at peace with the decision I'm making."
The 6’9’’ sophomore averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game this season. He connected on 52 percent from the field while shooting 77 percent from the line and 40 percent from 3-point line, starting in 10 of 63 games. He
helped the Buckeyes grab a final 4th place in 2012 NCAA tournament with 31 wins and 8 loses. However they lost to the Kansas Jayhawks 64-62 in the semi-finals.
The impressive record that Sullinger boasts will surely make him a top 10 pick in NBA draft. The 20 year old made a phenomenal improvement coming into this season.
He shed 25 pounds of weight to play for the team that had lost 3 key players. He was more athletic and was able to penetrate better inside the paint. He was consistently shooting over the defenders and was feared as Bucks’ top
3-point threat.
Jared struggled with a foot injury and a back spasm early in this season but still became a reliable clutch shooting option for his team. He netted many game winners taking the Buckeyes to the last four.
Coach Thad Matta supported his decision and praised him as one of the best players he ever had the experience of coaching.
“I've always said he's one of the most intellectual players I've ever coached,"
Sullinger's career is decorated with numerous accomplishments. During his high school career, he was selected to play in 2010 McDonald's All-American Game and was named as co MVP with Harrison Barnes.
Later on, he was selected to play in Nike Hoop Summit and in March 2010, he won the James A. Naismith Award. Afterwards in his college and sophomore years, he was awarded as 2011 big ten tournament MVP and Big Ten freshman of the
year.
Sullinger's father, Satch Sullinger, who coached him at national power Northland High School in Columbus and was not too comfortable of leaving for the grand stage last season, also approved of his youngest son entering
the NBA this year.
''The skill set's always been there. But last year, at this time, I wasn't comfortable as a parent with the option of him possibly going to the NBA''.
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