Ohio State basketball is making headlines with the announcement of Jared Sullinger's return to the program, where he will serve as the Director of Player Development. This move, confirmed by the Buckeyes on Thursday, marks a significant step in head coach Jake Diebler's efforts to build a coaching staff that understands and embodies the Ohio State culture.
Sullinger, a two-time consensus first-team All-American, is a celebrated figure in Buckeyes history. During his freshman season in 2010-11, he made an immediate impact, averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. His contributions helped lead Ohio State to a Big Ten regular-season championship, a Big Ten Tournament title, and secured a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament that year.
Diebler expressed his enthusiasm for Sullinger's addition, stating, "Jared's love for Ohio State and his passion for helping young players grow make him a tremendous addition to our program. Combine that with his basketball IQ and experience playing at the highest levels, I believe he's going to elevate our development to even greater heights." This sentiment reflects Diebler's strategy of incorporating former players into the coaching staff, a tactic he began earlier this offseason with the hiring of William Buford as a program assistant.
In his sophomore season, Sullinger continued to shine, averaging 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds, and played a crucial role in leading the Buckeyes to the Final Four. His successful collegiate career propelled him into the NBA, where he was drafted 21st overall by the Boston Celtics. Sullinger also had a stint with the Toronto Raptors, further solidifying his professional basketball credentials.
Now, Sullinger returns to Ohio State, a place that played a pivotal role in his development as a player, to embark on the next chapter of his career in coaching. His experience and deep understanding of the program are expected to greatly benefit the current roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The addition of Sullinger is part of a broader trend in college basketball where former players are increasingly stepping into coaching roles, bringing their firsthand experience and insights to the next generation of athletes. With Sullinger on board, Ohio State basketball aims to enhance its player development initiatives and continue its tradition of excellence in the Big Ten and beyond.
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