Jared Sullinger, Ohio State forward and CBSSports.com preseason Player of the Year, trimmed down over the offseason. Sullinger, who weigned in at 6'9" and 280 pounds as a superstar freshman for the Buckeyes last season, has dropped fat through a diet and exercise program, reports USA Today.
Jared Sullinger says he feels lighter on his feet after months of offseason workouts helped him shed fat from his 6-9, 280-pound frame. The Ohio State forward last month tweeted a picture of his shirtless upper body to more than 44,000 followers.
Check out the tweeted photo here, which Sullinger posted last month.
The Columbus, Ohio native averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds and helped Ohio State to a 34-3 record in his first collegiate season. Despite being projected as a lottery pick, Sullinger fulfilled his promise after vowing to stay in school following his team's 62-60 loss to Kentucky in the Sweet 16 last season.
After the bittersweet season, Sullinger focused on his workout routine and physique, and coach Thad Matta is looking forward to a more versatile game from his star player.
Afterward, Sullinger started studying game film, worked on his conditioning and offensive moves and cut back on Wendy's and McDonald's in favor of Subway and salads. "It really helped me out, because my game has stepped to another level," he says. "And it's going to improve from there."
Matta expects Sullinger to be quicker on the perimeter. Known for his post play, Sullinger could use a face-up game to confound opponents.
Ohio State opens its season on Nov. 11 against Wright St.