Jared Sullinger Joins Diebler’s Staff as Director of Player Development
9/3/2026 4:45:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Columbus native was a two-time All-American for the Buckeyes from 2010-12
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State men's basketball head coach Jake Diebler has announced the addition of former Buckeye All-American Jared Sullinger to the program's staff as Director of Player Development.
One of the most accomplished players in Ohio State basketball history, Sullinger returns to Columbus after an extensive professional playing career that included five seasons in the NBA and more than a decade competing internationally.
“Jared's love for Ohio State and his passion for helping young players grow make him a tremendous addition to our program,” Diebler said. “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.”
A Columbus native and graduate of Northland High School, Sullinger starred for the Buckeyes from 2010-12 and established himself as one of the premier players in college basketball. During his two seasons in scarlet and gray, he earned consensus First Team All-America honors twice, was named the USBWA National Freshman of the Year in 2011 and was a two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection.
“Columbus is home, and Ohio State holds a special place in my heart,” Sullinger said. “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.”
As a freshman, Sullinger averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while leading Ohio State to a Big Ten regular-season championship, a Big Ten Tournament title and a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. He earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2011 Big Ten Tournament.
Sullinger followed that campaign with another outstanding season in 2011-12, averaging 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while helping lead the Buckeyes to the NCAA Final Four. In just two seasons, he recorded 1,281 career points and 717 rebounds while becoming one of the most dominant frontcourt players in program history.
Following his sophomore season, Sullinger entered the 2012 NBA Draft and was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 21st overall pick in the first round. He spent four seasons with the Celtics before playing with the Toronto Raptors during the 2016-17 season. Over 269 NBA games, Sullinger averaged 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
After his NBA career, Sullinger continued to excel professionally overseas. His international stops included successful stints in China, South Korea and Puerto Rico. He earned CBA International MVP honors in 2024 and was a two-time Chinese Basketball Association rebounding champion.
Sullinger becomes the latest former Buckeye standout to return to the program as he joins his former Buckeye teammate William Buford as he is in his first season as a program assistant.
#GoBucks
