Thursday, March 25, 2010
Associated Press
COLUMBUS
There were a lot of people who thought Jared Sullinger was the best player in the country a year ago.
Then he went out and got better.
Sullinger, the 6-foot-9 Columbus Northland post player, has the numbers to back that contention. That’s one reason why he repeated as the Associated Press Mr. Basketball in 2010, the unanimous choice of a state media panel. He’s only the fifth player to win the state’s top individual award at least twice.
“This year was a lot different,” Sullinger said. “I was more explosive. I was lighter in weight, and that helped me out in my game.”
Not only did the Ohio State signee average 24.5 points and 12.3 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 2.4 assists game while shooting 78 percent from the field, 38 percent on 3-pointers and 77 percent at the line. He also led Northland to a regular-season AP poll title. The Vikings were ranked No. 1 in the USA Today national rankings before a stunning upset loss to unbeaten Gahanna Lincoln in a regional championship game.
“It’s very disappointing,” he said. “We worked so hard to get where we were. But Gahanna played a great game. It hurts, but at the same time, God always has a plan for you.”
Other multiple winners of the award include three-time winner LeBron James, and two-timers O.J. Mayo, Greg Simpson and Jimmy Jackson.