Men’s basketball: Former All-American Jared Sullinger joins Ohio State’s staff as director of player development

Reilly Cahill
Fri, 04 Sep 2026 19:36:23 +0000
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Jared Sullinger was named as Ohio State’s director of player development Thursday. Sullinger (left) with freshman forward Anthony Thompson (6). Credit: Courtesy of Ohio State Athletics.

A Columbus native and former Buckeye All-American is returning to Ohio State’s men’s basketball program.?

Jared Sullinger, who played for the Buckeyes from 2010-12, was named Ohio State’s director of player development Thursday.?

In his two seasons with the team, Sullinger earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten recipient, a two-time All-American and led the Buckeyes to the NCAA Final Four in his sophomore season.

After two seasons with Ohio State, Sullinger was selected with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. He went on to play five seasons in the NBA.

“[Sullinger’s] love for Ohio State and his passion for helping young players grow make him a tremendous addition to our program,” head coach Jake Diebler said in a release. “Combine that with his basketball IQ and experience playing at the highest levels, I believe he’s going to elevate our development to even greater heights. Our players will benefit from his leadership and commitment to developing the next generation of Buckeyes.”?

Sullinger originally joined the Buckeyes as a five-star recruit out of Northland High School in Columbus.

“Columbus is home, and Ohio State holds a special place in my heart,” Sullinger said in a release. “The tradition here, the culture and the support from Buckeye Nation shaped me into the player and person I am today. I’m grateful to Coach Diebler for the opportunity to come back and pour into these guys.”

Sullinger becomes the fourth new addition to Ohio State’s staff this offseason, joining Mike Wells as assistant coach, Dave Richardson as strength and conditioning coach and William Buford as program assistant, per prior Lantern reporting. Sullinger and Buford were teammates on the Buckeyes from 2010-12.?