After a heart-breaking loss for Ohio State in the Sweet 16 against Kentucky, Jared Sullinger approached the podium. Sullinger is the Big Ten freshman of the year and a lock for an All-American spot. His 6-9, 280 pound frame allowed him to average a double-double for the previously #1 Ohio State. And, most importantly, Sullinger was a lock for a top five pick in the NBA draft in June.
But Sullinger won't be entering the draft next year. Sure, his reason about wanting to stay and win a national championship is nice, but should we really believe him?
The 2011 draft is shaping up to be one of the worst drafts in recent memory. With no clear #1 pick emerged at almost the end of March, the field appears weak. Sullinger, whether he is ready or not, was in the discussion for the number one overall pick. Not often do you see players in that position pass up that opportunity.
To me, this is just the first clue that the NBA CBA discussions are worse than the public thinks. Call me cynical, but I believe at this point that most players see college as just a hoop they must jump through before making it to the pros. For Sullinger to decide to stay another year, I am willing to bet that he's been talking to some NBA folks and sees the writing on the wall. No NBA season next year, no reason to enter the draft.
Perhaps I am reading into this a little too much. Maybe Sullinger really does want to stay another year, dominate the Big Ten, and win a national championship. And you know what? Compared to waiting around for labor negotiations to end, not receiving paychecks, not practicing with the team that drafted you and spending a year away from the sport you love, I'd stay in college another year too. I hope that a few more players use their heads like Sullinger and wait it out one more year when there actually will be an NBA season.
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