Sullinger not entering draft?

[jonathanlambert33]

NEWARK -- Here, then, Ohio State fans is your silver lining: Jared Sullinger says he is coming back.

Sitting in the Ohio State locker room following the top-seeded Buckeyes' 62-60 loss to Kentucky, the freshman said he would not be entering his name for the NBA draft and would return for his sophomore season.

"I'm going to be an Ohio State Buckeye next year," he said. "This isn't why I came here, to come in here and see my seniors in here crying. I came here to win a national championship."

Plenty of people make pledges in the rubble of an emotional loss only to change their mind later, when the sting and suddenness of the season fades and the promise of the NBA looms.

Sullinger, who had 21 points and 16 rebounds in his final game of the season, insists that won't happen.

"I'm a man of my word," Sullinger said. "I don't change my word and no one changes it for me. This is what I want."

Sullinger said he made the decision following the game, but coach Thad Matta said it's the message Sullinger has been sending to him all season.

"Oh he's been telling me that all along," Matta said. "And I believe it. He told me, draw me up a contract, whatever you need to do. I believe him when he says it."

I'm not sure if he'll keep his word, but that's huge if he does return.

 

[Swish]

John Wall said the same thing last year so it's hard to believe.. Seems to me like Jared is really serious about it though :S

 

[elcheato]

Jared's been implying that he'd stay the entire year. His father said a few days ago he thought he would stay and Matta has been saying he was gonna come back but if he finds out how high his draft stock is maybe he does come out.

 

[Hurricane Season]

Probably a good move by him... I don't see much in him as far as NBA potential. I see a little better version of Sean May.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

To be honest, I wish they would either do away with the one and done rule or atleast make them stay two seasons.

 

[Mooche]

I don't like the move for Sully, personally.. But I see that he has to improve certain aspects of his game. Maybe he wants to win that tile very bad.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Probably a good move by him... I don't see much in him as far as NBA potential. I see a little better version of Sean May.

NBAdraft.net has his player comparison as Kevin Love, and I just don't see it.

 

[Hurricane Season]

NBAdraft.net has his player comparison as Kevin Love, and I just don't see it.

A poor mans Kevin Love might not be a terrible comparison.

 

[Mexi]

at least love is 6'10

sullinger is like 6-7-6'8
i've seen him a few times. i like him, but he kinda lacks in the athleticism department

isnt necessarily a problem. love isnt athletic, but he's taller, bogut isnt the most athletic guy, but he's 7 ft, elton brand has long ass arms, and there's others

hopefully he stays, works on his body

 

[$tunna]

Yeah I can't really see how Sully could turn out in the League. His hops don't seem very impressive, He kinda reminds me of DeJuan Blair with less ups but better scoring ability

 

[elcheato]

He's not athletic but he is highly skilled and always knows where to be for rebounds. Tough kid too. He also is a good shooter. I wish he would have shot jumpers against Kentucky, instead of going right at the big kid every time. Would have helped, but he doesn't shoot jumpers often because he really never had to this year. I think next year he'll show it more.

 

[Yankees2772]

I've seen Sullinger play in person from maybe 5 feet away. He is not 6'7, he is closer to 6'9 than he is 6'7. I think Elton Brand is a good comparison - and from a production standpoint, I can see him putting up the same stats as David West or Paul Milsap with ease.

 

[Lake Louise]

To be honest, I wish they would either do away with the one and done rule or atleast make them stay two seasons.

I've been wanting that to happen for awhile. It just bothers me. I know it's their decision, but one and done is annoying, especially for a coach. they can't coach a guy like he's going to be there for a couple years or so. They have to coach them like they wont be their next year, and not every guy is not NBA ready after 1 year of college. some aren't even NBA ready after 4 years, but the had more time to mature and learn things here and there, and improve. I've never liked one and done.

 

[BwareDWare94]

Kevin Love is a completely unique player (and he's better than Blake Griffin, at that. It's not debatable.). There is no comparison between the two. As far as making them similar though, I'd like to see Sullinger slim down like Love did before he entered the NBA. Make yourself more athletic by cutting off the excess weight. Not only will it allow him to jump higher, his stamina will higher and it'll just do wonders for his game. Anybody else understand what I'm talking about?