2012 NBA Draft: Will Ohio State's Jared Sullinger Sink or Swim in the NBA?

While not completely obvious, Jared Sullinger has improved by leaps and bounds this year.

He is shooting 58.8 percent from the field (54.1 percent last year), including 41 percent from three-point range (25 percent last year), and making 75.9 percent from the free-throw line compared to 70.4 percent in 2010-11.

As such, Ohio State has become a more complete team with Sullinger rounding out his game. His scoring is more efficient (17.1 points per game in 27.9 minutes per game this year, 17.2 ppg in 31.7 minutes per game last year).

Sullinger's decision to stay could allow him to improve the way Blake Griffin did staying an unexpected second year, but it would not necessarily improve his draft status.

That being said, Sullinger has been compared to Elton Brand as a short (6'9''), but strong and stout (265 pounds) power forward who can bang with anyone for rebounds. He has a unique ability to score from anywhere on the floor from his position with his hook shot, patented inside moves. He can also play part time as a small center in up and down lineups.

While he can put the ball in the basket, Sullinger can’t defend the pick and roll consistently, and he will be exposed against quicker power forwards when defending their shot.

When aggressive, he will not have the length to make up for a defensive mistake.

Because he is more likely to be selected between six and 10 this year—compared to one-five last year if he entered after his freshmen season—Sullinger will probably have a more defined and controlled role as a pure scorer from the power forward position, rather than a hopeful franchise player.