Jared Sullinger, Will Buford Shun NBA Draft, Announce Returns to Ohio State

Following Ohio State's heartbreaking Sweet 16 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats last night, there is a cloud with a silver lining.

Jared Sullinger and Will Buford will be returning next season for Ohio State.

In the postgame locker room, Sullinger announced that he would be back for a second year. Throughout the season, Sullinger has repeatedly promised that he would not leave Ohio State until the team won a national championship.

It looks like he’s keeping that promise.

Sullinger was named the 2011 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He averages 17 points and 10 rebounds per game and recorded his 18th double-double against Kentucky.

Buford also stated that he would return for his senior year. Buford, the team's second-leading scorer at 14 points per game, was just 2-of-16 against Kentucky.

Buford said that he may test the waters by filling out an application, but would most likely withdraw it before the deadline.

It appears that the only players Ohio State will lose are graduating seniors David Lighty, Jon Diebler and Dallas Lauderdale.