Former Buckeye Jared Sullinger Introduced As A Celtic

Sullinger will wear No. 7 in Boston

Last Thursday, former Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger was drafted 21st overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2012 NBA draft.

Earlier this week Sullinger was introduced to the Boston Celtics fanbase and team alongside fellow draftees Fab Melo and Kris Joseph. While his stock fell dramatically due to certain rumors of having issues with his back, Sullinger landed in a place that I think just might fit his talents very well.

Capable of playing both power forward and center, I expect the Celtics to use Sullinger for both positions when necessary. In the meantime, Sullinger will have some of the best players to learn from on what it takes to play at that level. 

If anyone knows about playing through injuries to a dominant level, Kevin Garnett has to be one of those people. The fire still burns for this guy even as his age tries to put it out. KG can be a big asset for Sullinger, learning the ins and outs of the NBA-style of play.

Sullinger averaged 17.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in two seasons at Ohio State.

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest news, updates and opinions on Ohio State athletics.

Jared Sullinger Medically Flagged By NBA Doctors

What's the future for big Sully?

Chad Ford, the NBA insider from ESPN, is reporting that Ohio State big man Jared Sullinger has been medically flagged by NBA doctors who have expressed concern over the his back.

Sullinger, who is projected to be a lottery pick in the draft on June 28, underwent a series of medical tests at the draft combine a week ago.

A number of NBA team doctors have reviewed the information from the NBA and have told their front office staff that Sullinger's back issues could shorten his NBA career, and some have advised their teams not to draft him in the first round.

Sullinger's father, Satch Sullinger, said he believes the issue isn't that serious.

"He had a bulging area that was due to his hamstring and quads being so tight," Satch Sullinger told ESPN.com senior college basketball writer Andy Katz in a phone call Monday afternoon. "It pulled on his hip flexor and he's been taking care of it to loosen it. You can call it a red flag if you want. But it's tight hamstring and tight quads. He's been to doctors, he's doing yoga and deep tissue massage. The flexibility is helping take the pressure off the area.

"We've got nothing to hide. At this stage it's all about what they can't do. Jared is a skilled player. A two-time All-American. He can play."

Meanwhile, Ohio State's coach Thad Matta weighed in on the issue with: 

 "Jared is fine. He's moving better than I've ever seen him move."

Chad Ford currently has Sullinger being selected to go No. 10 in his 7th Mock Draft.

Much of the media has compared this to Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair who was also red flagged by the NBA when medical tests at the NBA combine revealed he didn't have ACL's in either knee. At the time Blair was projected as a late lottery pick. He slid all the way out of the first round.

Ohio State Basketball Ranks As 2nd Best Coaching Job In The Big Ten

Matta is in an enviable position at OSU

Over at ESPN, it's "Coaches Week" and during this week, the writers go through each conference to rank the best and worst coaching jobs, as voted on by 14 of their writers and television analysts.

For a little more on how it works, here's the explanation:

"A few important notes: This is not an attempt to rank the programs or their histories. A school's tradition was taken into account of course, but more emphasis was given to recent years and how hard or easy it is for a new coach to win there. Current recruits don't remember much beyond, what, 2008?

When voting, our 14 panelists were asked to take into consideration facilities, expectation level, athletic budget, wins and losses, recruiting base, fan support/pressure and all of the other factors that go into determining the "best" jobs in the ever-crazy profession of college basketball coaching.

In short: If you were an agent and every single job was open in a particular conference, where would you direct your client? Where would you tell him to avoid if there are better options?"

The Top 5

1. Indiana

2. Ohio State

3. Michigan State

4. Michigan

5. Wisconsin

Join us after the jump to look at the breakdown of each of these jobs.

Ohio State And Duke Paired Again For ACC-Big Ten Challenge

Duke will get a chance to avenge a lopsided loss to Ohio State as the Blue Devils host the Buckeyes in an ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Wed., Nov. 28, at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.

Exact game times for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge will be set at a later date, but the OSU-Duke match-up is almost certain to air in a prime spot on ESPN.Ohio State took an 85-63 win over Duke in a Challenge match-up on Nov. 29 at Value City Arena. That game matched up No. 2-ranked Ohio State with No. 3 Duke in arguably the biggest nonconference game in the 14-year history of VCA.

Duke has four starters back from a 27-7 team that fizzled down the stretch with three losses in its last four games. The capper was a 75-70 loss to 15th-seeded Lehigh in an NCAA second-round tournament game – in Greensboro, N.C., no less. That was certainly an early exit for a Duke program just two years removed from its latest national title under Mike Krzyzewski.

Guard Austin Rivers is leaving Durham after one year for the NBA. But 6'10" Mason Plumlee (11.1 ppg, 9.2 rpg) will be back for his senior year.

Also returning are guard Seth Curry (13.2 ppg), forward Ryan Kelly (11.8 ppg) and guards Andre Dawkins (8.4 ppg), Quinn Cook and Tyler Thornton. Duke also adds shooting guard Rasheed Sulaimon (ranked 11th nationally).

Ohio State has three starters back from its 31-8 team that won a share of the Big Ten title and reached the Final Four. The Buckeyes lost guard William Buford to graduation and saw center Jared Sullinger leave early for the NBA.

Wing Deshaun Thomas (15.9 ppg) announced he would be back. Thomas averaged just under 20 points per game in OSU’s Final Four run and could be poised for a big year. Guards Aaron Craft and Lenzelle Smith Jr. also return. OSU coach Thad Matta will ask sophs-to-be Sam Thompson, LaQuinton Ross, Shannon Scott and 6'11" Amir Williams to step up and fill the voids.

Tony Parker Chooses UCLA Over Ohio State

Headed to UCLA

As we mentioned earlier today, Tony Parker was rumored to be heading to UCLA. That's exactly what took place after an hour-long ceremony of his signing.

The 6'9", 270-pound native of Lithonia, Ga., chose the Bruins over Ohio State, Kansas, Duke, Georgia, and Memphis.

This past season, Parker averaged 16.8 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks per game for a Miller Grove (Ga.) team that finished 24-9.

"Duke, Ohio State and UGA: Those three schools were right behind. I love [Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski], I love what he had going, but I just thought UCLA was a better fit for me and the people I was coming in with," Parker said. 

"Ohio State, it doesn't get no better for a big man there. But I just thought I would have to work harder at UCLA and would probably come in with more of a chip on my shoulder."

While missing out on Parker does sting, an earlier commitment from Amedeo Della Valle helps ease the pain, if only slightly.

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest news, updates and opinions on Ohio State athletics.

2012 Basketball Recruit Tony Parker To Announce Decision Today

Will Parker join the Buckeyes?

Tony Parker, a 6-foot-9, 265-pound senior basketball center from Miller Grove High in Lithonia, Georgia, will announce his college choice in a 3 p.m. news conference Monday at his school. He has a final list of Kansas University, UCLA, Georgia, Duke and Ohio State.

The 20th-rated player in the Class of 2012 is said to be favoring UCLA. With the low numbers the Buckeyes have, Thad Matta would sure love to land this kid and it's certainly a possibility.

Scouting Report via 247Sports: Showed an excellent motor while playing for the Georgia Stars at the Nike EYBL in Los Angeles. Uses body well to establish position on the block, and can score with either hand around the basket. 

Has an ability to square up defenders in the mid-range and make a move toward the basket. Parker can get up and down the court well, and doesn't look like he's maxed out in terms of height just yet. 

Once he fully develops, grows into his body and benefits from an advanced conditioning program the sky is the limit for the versatile athlete.

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest news, updates and opinions on Ohio State athletics.

Ohio State Basketball Guard Jordan Sibert Joins Weatherspoon In Transferring

Good luck to the young man

Jordan Sibert, a 6-4, 180-pound guard from Cincinnati, Ohio, has been released from his Ohio State men's basketball scholarship and will seek a transfer to another institution, Thad Matta, head coach of the Buckeyes, announced Monday.

Sibert, a graduate of Cincinnati Princeton High School, appeared in 49 games during his Ohio State career. He contributed 2.5 points and 1.4 rebounds in just under 10 minutes a game.

"My two years as an Ohio State Buckeye were great," Sibert said. "Playing in the Final Four this year was a dream come true.

"I've decided to transfer after discussing my future goals with family and my coaches," Sibert said. "I would like to find a school where I can make an impact on the court. I will miss my teammates, my coaches and the fans. I will always be a Buckeye."

Matta understands Sibert's goal to make a significant contribution elsewhere.

"Jordan has worked to improve since he became a Buckeye two years ago," Matta said. "He has represented our program well and we wish him the best."

Ohio State has won two Big Ten regular-season championships, a Big Ten tournament title (2011), advanced to a pair of NCAA tournaments, including the 2012 Final Four, and won a combined 65 games with Sibert on the roster. The Buckeyes finished the 2012 season with a 31-8 record and were 34-3 in 2012.

While it's too bad to see Sibert and Weatherspoon go, I think this is the right decision on their part. If they wanted playing time and did not feel as if they were going to get that opportunity, then I don't see the need for them to stay. I wish both of them the best of luck wherever they end up at.

Ohio State Basketball Player J.D. Weatherspoon To Transfer

Weatherspoon has chosen to transfer

According to Jeff Goodman of CBS, Ohio State basketball player J.D. Weatherspoon is transferring from Ohio State to a yet to be determined school.

Clay Hall of ABC-6, has also confirmed the Weatherspoon transfer, citing that the official announcement should be coming Monday.

The 6'6'' 215-pound sophomore had tremendous athleticism and many fans were hoping that he could have a bright future with the Buckeyes. Now it appears that dream won't continue, at least, not with Thad Matta's squad.

As Goodman pointed out in his tweet, Weatherspoon did not receive a lot of playing time and one has to wonder if this is the main reason as to why. I can't see any other way that 'Spoon would want to transfer unless he felt he wasn't getting his fair share of minutes.

The really bad news? Matta now has a team of 8 or 9 guys. This really hurts the depth and the team for next season unless Matta can pull in a great recruiting class. If someone goes down with an injury, that team is going to be really thin.

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest news, updates and opinions on Ohio State athletics. 

Ohio State's Deshaun Thomas To Return For Junior Year

Thomas is ready to be the man

Via Ohiostatebuckeyes.com - Deshaun Thomas, a sophomore forward on the Ohio State men's basketball team, will return for his junior season, Thad Matta, head coach of the Buckeyes, announced Friday.

"Deshaun, his family and our coaching staff have spent the last week evaluating his future," Matta said. "Deshaun determined he wants to remain a Buckeye. We are looking forward to building on the success our team enjoyed in 2011-12 with Deshaun playing a significant role next year."

Thomas hopes to help the Buckeyes toward a goal of a fourth-consecutive Big Ten title next season.

"We have a great team returning next season and I want to be a part of another championship run," Thomas said. "My family, my coaches and I looked at my future as a professional but I love being a Buckeye and want to continue my education and development as a player and as a person at Ohio State.

"If I do have an opportunity to play basketball professionally, I want to have an immediate impact," Thomas said. "Working with my teammates and coaches at Ohio State will help me achieve my future goals."

Thomas, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., is the top returning scorer and rebounder from Ohio State's Final Four team that finished 31-8 in 2011-12. He averaged 15.9 points and 5.4 rebounds.

Over 39 games last year, Thomas connected on 52 percent of his field goals (243-467) and connected on 75 percent of his foul shots (83-111). For his career, Thomas (6-7, 225) has scored 897 points (11.8 ppg.) over 76 appearances and 39 starts.

Ohio State has won 65 games with Thomas' contributions over the last two seasons. The Buckeyes have won two Big Ten regular-season titles, made two trips to the NCAA tournament "Sweet 16," advanced to a pair of Big Ten tournament title games and have won 38 games in Columbus with Thomas in the lineup.

Ohio State's Jared Sullinger Declares For NBA Draft

Sullinger had many great moments to remember

After guiding Ohio State to the Final Four, two-time All-American forward Jared Sullinger figured he might as well see what he could do for an NBA team.

The 6-foot-9 sophomore announced on Wednesday he is giving up his final two seasons with the Buckeyes to make himself available for the NBA draft in June. Most projections have him going in the top 10.

"Going to the Final Four with a team that many people said we weren't good enough, weren't strong enough, weren't mentally tough enough, and still being able to get to the Final Four with all the ups and downs we had, I think that was tremendous for this basketball team," Sullinger said, flanked by his parents and coach Thad Matta. "Once we got to the Final Four, we were trying to win it. But unfortunately, we fell short. I feel at peace with the decision I'm making."

The Buckeyes lost to Kansas 64-62 in the national semifinals on Saturday.

Sullinger averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds a game while shooting 52 percent from the field, 77 percent at the line and 40 percent on 3-pointers while leading the Buckeyes to a 31-8 record and a Final Four berth. He was 63-10 as a starter.

"I've always said he's one of the most intellectual players I've ever coached," Matta said. "He came in that way as a freshman. The thing is that people don't know he studies the game. Not only the college game, but the NBA game. He can tell you a lot about a lot of NBA issues. For him, the timing is definitely right."

Sullinger's father, Satch, was his coach at national power Northland High School in Columbus. He believed the youngest of his three sons, all of whom played Division I basketball, had the ability to play in the NBA. But he also knew he wasn't ready a year ago when Jared was considered a top-five pick.

"The skill set's always been there. But last year, at this time, I wasn't comfortable as a parent with the option of him possibly going to the NBA," Satch Sullinger said. "Jared's had it pretty easy in basketball, he's been relatively injury free. This year I watched the peaks and valleys and I watched him mature. There's only one way to get experience and that's by being inexperienced in a situation. I watched him be immature in certain things and work his way out of it. I saw that consistency start to come back during the end of the season run all the way through the Final Four."

Buckeyes Fall In Final Four To Kansas

Buckeyes lost after giving up a 13 point lead

The Ozone - At times during the 2011-12 season the Ohio State men’s basketball team was admittedly bi-polar. On Saturday night, the Buckeyes’ split personality cost them a shot at the national championship.

OSU followed up a first half in which it led by as many as 13 points with one of its worst shooting halves of the season and watched its season slip away at the foul line in a 64-62 loss to Kansas in college basketball’s national semifinals.

After taking a nine-point lead into halftime, the Buckeyes only made eight of their 33 field goal attempts in the second half, and allowed a late 6-0 Jayhawks run to put Kansas on top and into Monday night’s national championship game where it’ll face Kentucky.

"Well, I thought we played the first half very effectively. Second half obviously we didn't shoot the ball to the level we needed to. I thought Kansas was much more active defensively, using their athleticism," said OSU Head Coach Thad Matta.

Trailing by two points with two seconds remaining, OSU Aaron Craft attempted to send the game into overtime by purposely missing the second of two free throws, but was whistled for a lane violation before attempting the would-have-been game-tying lay-up.

Craft’s ill-fated attempt was too little too late for a Buckeye team that was outscored 39-28 over the course of a second half that saw OSU forward Deshaun Thomas’ minutes limited after he picked up his third foul with 17:34 remaining in the game, and his fourth with 11:30 left.

OSU’s disaster second half was hardly predictable after a first half that saw the Buckeyes hold Kansas to just 13 points over the course of the game’s first 15 minutes and consistently lead by double-digits until a Travis Releford lay-up cut the Buckeyes’ lead to 34-25 heading into halftime.

Basketball Preview: #2 Ohio State vs. #6 Cincinnati

Craft stepped up big against Gonzaga

There are 347 schools playing Division I men's basketball. Thirteen are from Ohio. Four of those are among the 16 teams still playing in the NCAA tournament.

Only one calls itself The Ohio State University.

The flagship school from the leading basketball state in the nation -- in this tournament, at least -- will play Cincinnati on Thursday night in an East Regional semifinal that is as much a Battle of the Buckeye State as it is a chance to move one game closer to a national title.

"What I've felt all along is it's just a tremendous state for basketball," said Ohio State coach Thad Matta, who also coached at Miami of Ohio and Xavier before taking over the Buckeyes in 2004.

"I think a lot of times in the high school ranks it gets tabbed as a football state, just all the great players that they've put out. But just in the time that I've been there ... I've got a pretty good understanding of how passionate the fans are. It takes a lot of luck for four teams to get here, obviously. I think it speaks volumes to the level of basketball in the state."

Although it is bordered by hoops hotbeds Kentucky (a state with nine NCAA titles) and Indiana (five), Ohio hasn't really been considered a basketball state since placing a team in four straight championship games from 1960-63. (Ohio State won the first, then lost the next two to Cincinnati; the Bearcats returned in `63 and lost to Loyola of Chicago.)

Ohio State has won two football championships since then, but its appearance in the basketball title game in 2007 is the only one for the state since the `60s. Even -- gasp! -- Michigan, with three men's basketball championship since then, has more to show from its trips to the NCAA tournament.

"Ohio, everybody knows them as a football state. But we have a little bit of basketball talent inside those borders," said Buckeyes forward Jared Sullinger, a Columbus native who is one of three Ohioans among the top four scorers on the team. "It's just finally showing now."

And not just at Ohio State.

Buckeyes Fall To Michigan State In B1G Championship

Sullinger  is ready for March Madness

Draymond Green now has the winning chapter in Michigan State history he has longed for.

Green had 12 points and nine rebounds to help the eighth-ranked Spartans beat No. 7 Ohio State 68-64 on Sunday in the Big Ten tournament championship game.

Green and the Spartans claimed both the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Big Ten player of the year and the tournament's most outstanding player felt he needed to win something for coach Tom Izzo to include him in the conversation with Michigan State greats.

Brandon Wood scored a season-high 21 points. Wood transferred to Michigan State after graduating from Valparaiso last year with eligibility remaining. He received a waiver from the NCAA to play immediately because he entered graduate school. He only started because starter Branden Dawson tore a left knee ligament in the regular-season finale against Ohio State.

B1G Tournament Basketball Preview: Ohio State vs. Michigan State

Buckeyes look to finish as champs

Ohio State and Michigan State met in a last-second thriller a week ago, with the Buckeyes prevailing to earn a share of the Big Ten regular-season title.

Only one team will leave the court with a championship -- and a possible No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament -- when the seventh-ranked Buckeyes face the eighth-ranked Spartans for the conference tournament crown Sunday in Indianapolis.

William Buford's jumper with 1 second remaining gave Ohio State (27-6) a 72-70 victory last Sunday in East Lansing, forcing a three-way tie with Michigan State and Michigan atop the Big Ten standings.

It was the second failed attempt at winning an outright conference title for the Spartans (26-7), who also lost at Indiana on Feb. 28.

Big Ten player of the year Draymond Green scored 14 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in Saturday's 65-52 semifinal win over No. 14 Wisconsin, and he said Sunday's game is a chance at redemption for top-seeded Michigan State.

B1G Tournament Basketball Preview: Ohio State vs. Purdue

Can Buford stay hot?

A preseason favorite to win the Big Ten regular-season title outright, Ohio State instead settled for a share of the championship.

The seventh-ranked and No. 3 seed Buckeyes begin their quest for a third straight Big Ten tournament title Friday night when they face sixth-seeded Purdue in a quarterfinal matchup in Indianapolis.

After losing three games in February, Ohio State (25-6) rebounded to win its final two and earn a share of the Big Ten title along with Michigan State and Michigan.

William Buford hit a shot from the top of the key with 1 second left to give the Buckeyes a 72-70 win over the Spartans on Sunday. Buford finished with 25 points while Jared Sullinger had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

After putting up inconsistent numbers in mid-February, Sullinger closed the season with consecutive double-doubles, averaging 18.0 points and 14.0 rebounds. He had 11 offensive boards in a 75-73 win at Northwestern on Feb. 29.

The 6-foot-9 sophomore led the Buckeyes to their second consecutive Big Ten tournament title last season, averaging 16.3 points and 14.0 rebounds in wins over Northwestern, Michigan and Penn State.

Basketball Preview: #10 Ohio State vs. #5 Michigan State

Matta hopes OSU is ready

The fifth-ranked Spartans seek an outright conference title Sunday when they host the 10th-ranked Buckeyes, who can earn a share of a third straight Big Ten crown for the first time in 48 years.

"It's pretty cool," Ohio State All-American Jared Sullinger said of this matchup with so much at stake.

Michigan State (24-6, 13-4) will be recognized as league champion and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament no matter the outcome Sunday, but the Spartans haven't finished alone atop the standings since their run to the national title game in 2009 when Thornton and Green were freshmen.

This Michigan State team had a chance to clinch the outright title Tuesday but had a seven-game winning streak snapped, falling 70-55 at No. 18 Indiana despite Green's 29 points. Ohio State is now looking to capitalize on that error and try to earn a share of the B1G regular season title.

Sports Update

Volleyball. OSU Volleyball is playing well right now. Last Saturday night, I had the honor and pleasure of going to Loyola to watch the 8^th Ranked (at the time) Buckeyes take on the #14 (at the time) Loyola Ramblers play an important MIVA (Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) match. 

Both teams were coming off of losses. OSU lost its first MIVA match of the year at top 10 Lewis while Loyola suffered a defeat at the hand of IPFW (for those of you that are unaware IPFW is a hybrid school. It stands for Indiana Purdue at Fort Wayne, that is a mouthful to say). 

The match started off tight with Loyola taking a 3-1 lead in the first game before OSU stormed back to tie it at 7 all. From that point on OSU turned in a dominant match. Seniors Shawn Sangrey and Mike Berzins (who has a brother who plays for Loyola and one who coaches Loyola) led the Buckeyes with 16 and 11 kills respectively. Sangrey who has numerous awards including player of the week, All-NCAA Tournament as a Junior, and various Academic and All-Conference awards was just totally dominant. 

Basketball Preview: #10 Ohio State vs. Northwestern

Sullinger needs to get hot

For Ohio State to have any legitimate chance of reaching the Final Four, Jared Sullinger must re-emerge as the go-to player he's been most of his two seasons. Northwestern's chances of simply reaching the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history could hinge on keeping the preseason All-American in his recent funk.

The 10th-ranked Buckeyes try to set up a weekend showdown for the Big Ten title and avoid being a large notch in the Wildcats' belt Wednesday night when the teams play at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Ohio State (23-6, 11-5) can still claim a share of the conference title if it wins this game and its regular-season finale Sunday at No. 5 Michigan State. For that to happen, though, the Buckeyes must get Sullinger -- averaging 16.8 points and 8.9 rebounds -- back on track.

The sophomore has been the target of physical double- and triple-teams in recent games as Ohio State has lost three of five. Sullinger has been held in single digits in consecutive games for the first time in his career after scoring eight points in Sunday's 63-60 home loss to then-No. 16 Wisconsin. He missed a portion of the second half after cramping up, and coach Thad Matta is trying to make the needed adjustments to get Sullinger rolling again.

Tuesday's Buckeye Bits

Hello again fellow Buckeye fans. Welcome to another edition of "Buckeye Bit's". We are here to scour the Internet in an effort to pick out some interesting tidbits for you, our loyal reader. Hopefully you find our efforts worthwhile in this barren wasteland we call the offseason. Let's get to it. 

Armageddon? While wasting away at my office on Monday, I came across this scary little article. I am a total space, history and sports buff so anything that falls within those categories quickly catches my eye. What does it have to with the Buckeye's you might ask? 

Hell, I don't know but it's interesting nonetheless. If scientists just found this thing last year, imagine how many other threats exist out there in space. I'm going to need at least 2 championships from Urban before we all die in a hail of asteroids so let's get to it coach! Oh, looks like he has. 

Friday's Buckeye Bits

Good Friday morning, Buckeye Nation! We're putting a nail in this week, another week without football. Not to worry. By my count, we are merely 57 days away from the Spring Game!

Hoopage News. First, the women's team. Last night was Senior night and Samantha Prahalis wrote one of the final chapters of an outstanding career, playing her last at the Schott. And it was a good one to go out on, with a 25-point thumping of the Gophers.

Prahalis ended the night scoring a school record with 42 points on her own. She hit 15 of 27 shots from the field including 7 of 12 3-pointers, and was 5 for 5 at the line. She also had six rebounds, four assists and three steals before leaving to a standing ovation with 2:27 left after breaking Katie Smith's 1994 record by hitting two free throws.