Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger is headed to the NBA.
After guiding the Buckeyes to the Final Four, the sophomore opted to end his college career and declare for the draft.
Sullinger is the No. 6 prospect among the Top 100 on DraftExpress.com.
“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 in Columbus, Ohio, according to the AP.
“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 Buckeyes lost to Kansas 64-62 in the national semifinals on Saturday.
Sullinger averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds a game while shooting 52 percent from the field, 77 percent at the line and 40 percent on 3-pointers while leading the Buckeyes to a 31-8 record and a Final Four berth. He was 63-10 as a starter.
He battled through back spasms and a foot injury early in the year.
Deshaun Thomas, a 6-7 sophomore at Ohio State, is also considering the NBA.
(The AP contributed: Photo courtesy Ohio State)
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