Jared Sullinger: Will the Freshman All-American Return for His Sophmore Season?

Big Ten Freshman of the Year and first-team All-American Jared Sullinger announced after Ohio State's early departure from the NCAA tournament that he would indeed return for his sophomore season.

"I'm going to be an Ohio State Buckeye next year," said Sullinger. "I came here to win a national championship. I'm a man of my word. That's period. Point blank. I'm coming back."

Strong words from a kid who just turned 19 a couple weeks ago, and something we don't get to see enough of in college basketball. Sullinger would be all but a lock to go in the Top Five of this year's NBA draft, so is this just an empty promise to return after a emotional loss?

Let me put as simply as I can: No, it's not.

Jared Sullinger will return for his sophomore year; he's a man who wants to win a championship; he's a man that wants to leave a legacy at Ohio State and the only way for him to do that is to return next year.

If Sullinger's word is not enough to convince you he's staying, maybe his dad's is. "You can etch it in stone," Satch Sullinger said. "Jared Sullinger will be back at The Ohio State University."

Satch also said that his son's decision to stay had nothing to do with the possibility of an NBA lockout but more to do with Jared having a chance to become a better more complete player. "He has to learn the 4 position, and you do that by playing not practicing. He'll play at a high level at Ohio State and learn from one of the best in Thad Matta."

Sullinger will also have a chance next year to showcase his power forward skills—the position he will be playing in the NBA—as Ohio State has Amir Williams, a 6'11" center, coming in next year. Sullinger will be able to showcase more of his midrange game and won't be constantly backing down opposing teams' centers.

Ohio State will most likely be a preseason Top Five team, and it will be up to Sullinger to lead his Buckeyes in the NCAA tournament to capture his dream of a championship.