2012 NBA Draft: Jared Sullinger Reportedly Set to Leave Ohio State for NBA

After a heartbreaking loss in the NCAA tournament, Ohio State Buckeyes star power forward Jared Sullinger has reportedly decided to forego his final two seasons in college and enter the 2012 NBA draft.

CBS Sports senior basketball writer Jeff Goodman is reporting via Twitter:

"

Jared Sullinger will announce he is leaving Ohio State for NBA at 2 pm today. No surprise at all.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) April 4, 2012"

Despite making it to the Final Four and falling just two points shy of a national championship berth, Sullinger has decided not to prolong his amateur career any longer.

What it Means

It was widely assumed that Sullinger would come out and declare for the draft this season because scouts deemed him fit for the NBA. With another stellar year at Ohio State, Sullinger proved the scouts right. 

His decision to stay for his sophomore season was somewhat shocking, but it comes as no surprise that his second year was his last with the Buckeyes. 

Sullinger gave winning a national championship another chance and definitely got better as a rebounder and overall athlete. Staying the extra season was a smart move.

What's Next?

Sullinger immediately turns into one of the hottest prospects on draft day. With many scouts touting him as a serious difference-maker on offense and on the glass, the next few months leading up to the draft should be interesting to follow. 

The Buckeyes forward will be under intense scrutiny to test both his character and his abilities, but his track record and game film should grant him a top-10 selection regardless.  

Sullinger has a lot of questions that need to be answered about his consistency in the NBA, but the upside is undeniable. The Buckeyes star could become a top-five pick when all is said and done.

Check back for more on the National Basketball Association as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NBA Page to get your fill of all things basketball.

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