In an era where one-and-done players are the rule and not the exception, Sullinger’s decision was a breath a fresh air. Here you had a kid who dominated for much of his freshman season while looking like a surefire top five pick saying that he was going to go back to school.
It would be that much better if Sullinger was doing so simply because he loved the college life and that he wanted to continue his education. Unfortunately, that doesn’t sound like the reason. Just ask his father.
“He’s coming back because his goal is to win a national championship,” Sullinger’s father, Satch Sullinger, told the New York Times.
Oh. Well then. Is that it?
“He has to learn the 4 position,” Satch continued. “He and I have talked a little bit, not about the NBA, just in general, that you can only get better by playing, not practicing. He’ll play at a high level at Ohio State and learn from one of the best in [Ohio State head coach] Thad Matta.”
Not exactly what we were looking for, but at least it’s an admission that he knows he needs to get better as a player and college is where he can do it.
You know what? Good for them. So often today in sports we call on athletes, coaches and those upstairs to tell the truth at all costs. Well, the Sullingers are telling the truth.
Jared Sullinger is going to make a lot of money someday very soon. Whether you want to hear it or not, he doesn’t need a college education — not where he’s going to be drafted. He’s going to make a ton of money, and he’ll be set for a long time before the ink even dries on his rookie contract.
Nobody expects him to stay all four years in Columbus. It just won’t happen, but for Sullinger to realize that there is more to life than signing that huge pro deal that will eventually come is commendable. He realizes his flaws, and he is showing a commitment to something that is bigger than he is (his team) for what will amount to be a whole heckuva lot longer than a lot of other players in the same position.
Oh yeah, and there’s one more thing.
“The last part of the puzzle is that he’s having fun, man,” Satch told the Times.
That’s more like it.
What do you think of Jared Sullinger’s decision to likely return to Ohio State? Share your thoughts below.
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