- Paris Olympics takeaways: What did Team USA’s crunch-time lineup say about NBA’s hierarchy?Posted 4 months ago
- Zach Edey posted an easy double-double in Summer League debut. Here’s why he’ll succeed in NBAPosted 6 months ago
- What will we most remember these champion Boston Celtics for?Posted 6 months ago
- After long, seven-year road filled with excruciating losses, Celtics’ coast to NBA title felt ‘surreal’Posted 6 months ago
- South Florida men’s basketball is on an unbelievable heater– but also still on the bubblePosted 10 months ago
- Kobe Bufkin is balling out for Atlanta Hawks’ G League team. When will he be called up to NBA?Posted 11 months ago
- Former Knicks guards Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett may yet prove Raptors won the OG Anunoby tradePosted 12 months ago
- Rebounding savant Oscar Tshiebwe finally gets NBA chance he’s deserved for yearsPosted 1 year ago
- Is Tyrese Maxey vs. Tyrese Haliburton the next great NBA guard rivalry?Posted 1 year ago
- The Detroit Pistons are going to be a problem in a few yearsPosted 1 year ago
NBA Draft Profile: Jared Sullinger
- Updated: May 17, 2012
By: Kels Dayton
JARED SULLINGER
6-9, 265 lbs.
Hometown: Columbus, OH
School: Ohio State
Class: Sophomore
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
STRENGTHS: The two-time first-team All-American had a terrific collegiate career, averaging 17.3 points and 10 rebounds over two seasons with the Buckeyes. Sullinger was a breakout star as a freshman and was projected as a top-5 pick in last year’s draft, but decided to return to Columbus for the 2012 season in an effort to win a national championship. The big man has an outstanding low-post game that is predicated on his strength and width on the block. He’s got great touch around the basket and can finish over two and three defenders. Sully also boasts terrific hands, and was one of the most efficient scorers in college basketball last season, shooting 60 percent from the field on two-point attempts. He can also shoot from 15-17 feet out, and even developed a three-point shot this past season, knocking down 40 percent of his attempts from long-range. He’s money at the line (76.8 pct), and could develop into a capable scorer from anywhere on the floor at the next level.
WEAKNESSES: Sullinger is small for an NBA power forward, and doesn’t possess the incredible athleticism that prospects like Anthony Davis or Thomas Robinson have. He probably hurt himself by staying an extra year in school and deciding to come out with this class, which is rich in athletic big men. It remains to be seen whether he can body up down low against the behemoths in the NBA. Sullinger struggled against Robinson in the national semifinal, scoring just 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting.
BOTTOM LINE: Forget what you just read. This kid is going to be a solid pro because he has the rare ability to score from just about anywhere on the court. Sullinger probably boasts the most polished low-post game of any prospect in the draft, and he has a graduate-level basketball IQ. He may develop into a David West or DeJuan Blair-type player, and will have the versatility to stretch defenses with his 15-17 foot jump shot. Don’t worry about Sully staying too long at OSU. He’s going to be just fine.
Video by: Jared Jones @elitehoopsaau
More profiles:
Perry Jones III Damian Lillard Anthony Davis Thomas Robinson
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________