NEWARK, N.J. — Ohio State star freshman Jared Sullinger says he will return to the Buckeyes next season rather than enter the NBA draft.
The 6-foot-9 Sullinger, who led top-ranked Ohio State in scoring and rebounding, made the announcement right after Friday night's 62-60 loss to Kentucky in the East Regional semifinals.
"I did make a decision and I'm definitely coming back next year," Sullinger said. "I need to work on a lot of things. I have to come back. I'm coming back to win."
Sullinger had 21 points and 16 rebounds in the loss to fourth-seeded Kentucky, just the third this season for the Buckeyes who were No. 1 for seven weeks.
He was the Big Ten freshman of the year and averaged 17.1 points and 10.0 rebounds.