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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
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