PF Jared Sullinger (2x 1st Team ALL B1G & All American, Anyang KGC, S.Korea)

[Buckskin86]

Jared Sullinger learns valuable lessons as Boston Celtics downed 107-75 by Philadelphia 76ers in NBA preseason
By Jay King, MassLive.com
on October 15, 2012

Think your teenage brother's bedroom, your baby sister eating ice cream cake without a bib or the house you saw last week on Hoarders.

The Boston Celtics' 107-75 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night was quite sloppy, like a cafeteria lady had made it specifically for Billy Madison and his grade-school friends.

With Kevin Garnett sitting because Doc Rivers didn't want the 36-year old to play in both legs of a preseason back-to-back, the Celtics started a lineup that might have played together for two or three minutes before Monday, if that. The lack of chemistry was frighteningly evident, contributing to 20 turnovers and several displays of ineptitude that screamed "THIS IS THE NBA PRESEASON AND HOPEFULLY THE CELTICS WILL IMPROVE CONSIDERABLY WHEN GAMES ACTUALLY MATTER."

Because any hope for a coherent string of thoughts was lost when Fab Melo airballed two jump shots in the fourth quarter, I'll leave you instead with a few bullet points of thoughts to actually take away from that mess:

Jared Sullinger's learning experience

Sullinger's first three preseason games unfolded largely without bumps, but Game 4 wasn't such a smooth ride. Still, one gets the feeling Sullinger needed Monday night's struggles to continue his development.

Long, athletic and active, the Philadelphia 76ers are Sullinger's natural kryptonite. Several times, Sullinger made his way to the basket only to have an opponent swipe at the basketball and knock it out of his hands. If meeting Fenerbahce Ulker was playing NBA 2k13 on "rookie" difficulty level, the 76ers were "superstar" -- not quite the best, most mobile frontcourt, but certainly a steep test for a rookie needing to adjust to the NBA's size and length.

What may or may not be a good sign: I felt like Sullinger got stripped five or six times in the post, but he only had two turnovers. I felt like he missed several shots in the paint, but he shot 3 for 6. He finished with nine points and five rebounds in 23 minutes, not All-Star level production but not horrendous for someone meeting his biggest struggles yet.

If Sullinger's as intelligent as he seems (and all the Celtics believe), he'll use Monday as a learning experience and become stronger because of it.

On a positive note there was also this quote from Brian Scalabrine, who isn't fully comfortable yet on camera but still provides great basketball knowledge when filling in for Tommy Heinsohn as a color analyst: "Sullinger has amazing hands. It seems like there's five guys around him and he just goes and gets the ball."

http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/10/jared_sullinger_learns_valuabl.html

Jared Sullinger Still Has Much to Prove and Other Impressions From Celtics' Loss to Sixers
by Ben Watanabe
on Tue, Oct 16, 2012

Sullinger has shown that he is a good player and, if he stays healthy, he should spend many years as a solid pro. After three solid preseason games inspired talk of Sullinger cracking the Celtics' starting lineup during the regular season, along came Monday's exhibition game in Philadelphia. Sullinger played like the rookie he is in nine uneven minutes and finished with nine points and five rebounds, with only one of those rebounds coming after the first quarter. The statistics were only part of the story. Sullinger got in the way of Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce -- literally, like when he bumped into Pierce in the first quarter -- and had trouble scoring over Lavoy Allen and Spencer Hawes. Well before concern arose over Sullinger's back, pretty much every scout surmised that the 6-foot-9, 260-pound forward would have difficulty scoring over taller, more athletic defenders. The 6-foot-10 Allen and 7-foot-1 Hawes are not incredibly athletic, but they were long enough to give the rookie trouble. One bad preseason game does not mean Sullinger will never pan out as an NBA player, just as three good preseason games did not mean he was the second coming of Dave Cowens. This was merely a reminder that while the Celtics could add a physical dimension by including Sullinger in their rotation, they will have to deal with some occasional growing pains as well.

Read more at: http://www.nesn.com/2012/10/jared-s...-impressions-from-celtics-loss-to-sixers.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Brandon Bass, Jared Sullinger Competing With Each Other for Celtics, Not Against Each Other for Starting Spot
by Ben Watanabe on Wed, Oct 17, 2012

BOSTON -- Jared Sullinger's breakout performances during the Celtics' trip to Europe raised the possibility that the 260-pound earth-mover from Ohio State could muscle his way into Boston's starting lineup. To do so, of course, he would have to supplant the current power forward, Brandon Bass, in what may be the preseason's most intriguing position battle. That is, it would be, if there were any battle. After Tuesday's preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets, in which Bass and Sullinger shared the court for a significant stretch for the first time, the two players were insistent that there was no competition between them. "We're not competing for the same spot," Bass said, repeatedly. "We're not competing." Bass and Sullinger played together for a two-minute stretch late in the third quarter, then a five-minute stretch in the middle of the fourth quarter. The pairing was only one of several lineup experiments coach Doc Rivers and his staff have implemented during the preseason, but this one had a different wrinkle. This was not a "twin towers" lineup of Kevin Garnett accompanied by another big body like Darko Milicic, nor was it "small ball" with multiple guards alongside Rajon Rondo. This was somewhere in between. On offense, Bass and Sullinger presented some matchup problems for the shorthanded Nets. Both players are excellent shooters for their positions and could be the Celtics' two best rebounders, even if the 6-foot-8 Bass and the 6-foot-9 Sullinger were at a height disadvantage against a spidery 6-foot-11 center like Andray Blatche. "We can spread out the defense," Sullinger said. "We both can shoot. We both like to rebound and we both understand our role for this basketball team." Bass was defiant at the very mention of "competing" for a starting spot or for playing time with the rookie, whom Bass called "smart," a "good listener" and a "great rook." The competition, Bass insisted, was against other teams, not within the locker room. Sullinger echoed the seven-year veteran whose locker flanks his. "Our relationship's great," Sullinger said. "We don't care about starting. We just want to win the basketball game. Like I've told everybody, our main focus is banner 18, so as we go on, we understand we've got to support one another."

cont...

Read more at: http://www.nesn.com/2012/10/brandon...eltics-not-against-each-other-for-starti.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Kevin Garnett has found himself a pupil in Jared Sullinger
Kurt Helin
Oct 18, 2012

Jared Sullinger is the kind of rookie who fits in on a veteran Celtics team.

He?s not a guy who came in with a big ego, he?s not a guy who came in with a high-flying game. He?s more old school, lots of moves below the rim.

That?s why Kevin Garnett likes the guy.

That is KG?s locker room, his team (despite Rondo?s growth) and he told Jessica Camerato of CSNNE.com.

?I feel like sometimes young guys come in and have the whole entitlement displayed across their chest,? said Garnett. ?This kid is coming in, working his [butt] off, and he?s trying to be better. I?m giving him the book, teaching him everything I know.?

Everything he knows? Undersized guards can expect new hands clapped in their face soon.

Sullinger said he and KG hit it off because the rookie did not show fear.

?[I understood] that I can?t be afraid because he?s Kevin Garnett,? Sullinger told CSNNE.com. ?He?s my teammate and I?ve got to attack him every day in practice. That?s what I did and earned his respect like that . . . It was day one since practice. If I got the ball, I?d attack it. Most people would say, ?Oh my god, Kevin Garnett?s guarding me. Get it out of my hands.? No, not me. I just always try to attack and play my game.?

Sullinger is key for Boston because they need to keep Garnett rested through the season, which means he?s got to take on some minutes. In the preseason he has looked solid doing it. But they are going to need that when the games are real starting in a couple weeks. That is not time to start showing fear.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....has-found-himself-a-pupil-in-jared-sullinger/

 

[Buckskin86]

The case for starting Jared Sullinger
Fri, 10/19/2012

Rookie Jared Sullinger has a chance to be in the Celtics starting lineup on opening night. (AP)

Celtics coach Doc Rivers went with Jared Sullinger in the starting lineup again on Thursday night, and while Rivers insists that he hasn't made up his mind about any of his lineups, especially the starters, it's becoming more and more clear that Sullinger is the right fit. That's not taking anything away from Brandon Bass, who has literally done nothing to warrant a "demotion" to the second team.

Starter/reserve are tricky designations in the NBA, particularly when it involves a 20-year-old rookie and a seven-year veteran who just recently signed a new 3-year contract. Just a guess, but that's one of the reasons why Rivers is being so deliberate with his plan. Another is that he really isn't sure yet, and a third is that he's using the preseason to gauge who can play where and with whom, so he can take advantage of a tremendously deep and versatile roster. That's not playing coy, that's being smart.

And yet, through six preseason games, Sullinger has stood out both for his on-court play -- 11 points, 7 rebounds, 56 percent shooting in 25 minutes -- and for his demeanor. His notoriously hard to impress veteran teammates have embraced him in a way that would seem impossible around these parts.

Have we forgotten that Rivers himself has been judged to be a coach who refuses to play rookies? The coach's reply when that charge is brought up is always the same: Give me a young guy who can play and see what happens. Sullinger can play.

Two quotes in particular stand out.

First from Kevin Garnett:

"Sully is a very attentive. I love his IQ and everything he?s gaining as far as respect and anything else he?s gaining these last few weeks, he?s earned."

And from Rajon Rondo:

"He?s probably the smartest rookie we?ve had since I?ve been here. He?s very intelligent. High basketball IQ and he?s very unselfish. He doesn?t need a play called for him. [Emphasis mine.] He?s been getting his points off the dirty work."

cont...

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/b...nery/2012/10/19/case-starting-jared-sullinger

Sullinger proving worthy of Celtics starting job
October 19, 2012

BROOKLYN, NY ? When Jared Sullinger slipped down to the Boston Celtics on draft night, there was a sense that the C's were stealing a top-10 talent.

Not only has Sullinger proven himself worthy of being a regular in the starting rotation, but he's taken a step further and has positioned himself to be a starter.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers has not decided whether to start Brandon Bass or Sullinger at power forward.

But the more Rivers talks about that position, the more he sounds like a man who at the very least is leaning towards giving the starting nod to Sullinger.

When asked whether he likes Sullinger with the starters, Rivers said, "I do. I don't know if that's the way I'm going to go, but I do like that.

Rivers added, "and I like Brandon with the second unit because he gives us another scorer, a guy who can play."

The evolution of Sullinger from the disappointment of draft night into a potential starter for a title contender as a rookie, speaks volumes about how he has taken all the criticism and questions about his health and responded with the only thing he can to silence them - play great basketball.

"He still has a lot of work, but he does a lot of good things," Rivers said. "He has a veteran mind; does not play like a young guy, except he makes rookie fouls, he does things. But he's just a good spirit. It's good to have him in the locker room."

And it's even better having him on the floor.

As much as his success during the preseason can be attributed to shear talent, Sullinger is quick to say that his willingness to embrace the teachings of all of the team's veterans - and not just the big men like Kevin Garnett - has been vital to his early success.

"You have to come in, you have to learn," said Sullinger, who then rattled off the name of just about every Celtic player older than 25 years of age as someone who has helped him thus far. "You got so many things you are hearing, so many things you are soaking up, you have no choice but to be better everyday."

cont...

http://www.csnne.com/basketball-bos...hy-of-Celtics-star?blockID=790823&feedID=3352

 

[Buckskin86]

Rookie Jared Sullinger grabs good notices with Celtics
Forward is strong on offensive end
Jared Sullinger is averaging 2.8 offensive rebounds in seven preseason games. Jared Sullinger is averaging 2.8 offensive rebounds in seven preseason games.
By Frank Dell?Apa
Globe staff / October 20, 2012

ALBANY, N.Y. ? Jared Sullinger is bringing another dimension to the Celtics on the offensive boards. Sullinger had 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds in the Celtics? 109-98 win over the New York Knicks Saturday night and is averaging 2.8 offensive rebounds in seven preseason games.
Related

On basketball: Pressure on these old-look New York Knicks to make strides this season

Last season, Brandon Bass led the Celtics (3-4) on the offensive glass with 1.6 per game.

?You?ve just got to know your teammates and be able to carve out space on the offensive end,? Sullinger said. ?You know when somebody?s about to shoot, their go-to move. And the shot clock, you?ve just got to be ready.

?[Coach Doc Rivers] wants me to go every time. So, I?m always going to go; if I?m on the perimeter, maybe not. But if I?m in the paint I?m going to go, and my main goal is try to get the ball and get us extra production.?

Sullinger made his fifth start against the Knicks and could be in the starting lineup in the season-opener at Miami Oct. 30.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basket...ith-celtics/78CDfUm7rpUQWBJIW4qZgI/story.html

Should Jared Sullinger start for the Celtics?

By Zach Harper | CBSSports.com staff
October 20, 2012

Will the rookie from Ohio State make the starting lineup? (Getty Images)

The Boston Celtics had one of the worst offenses in the NBA last season, and it could be a rookie power forward who helps bring them back.

Paul Flannery of WEEI.com has been listening to the players and coaches beam about Jared Sullinger this preseason. And after watching the Celtics excel with him on the court this preseason, he's making the case for why Sully should be inserted into the opening night starting lineup:

Starter/reserve are tricky designations in the NBA, particularly when it involves a 20-year-old rookie and a seven-year veteran who just recently signed a new 3-year contract. Just a guess, but that's one of the reasons why Rivers is being so deliberate with his plan. Another is that he really isn't sure yet, and a third is that he's using the preseason to gauge who can play where and with whom, so he can take advantage of a tremendously deep and versatile roster. That's not playing coy, that's being smart.

And yet, through six preseason games, Sullinger has stood out both for his on-court play -- 11 points, 7 rebounds, 56 percent shooting in 25 minutes -- and for his demeanor. His notoriously hard to impress veteran teammates have embraced him in a way that would seem impossible around these parts.

Flannery makes sure to explain this isn't because Brandon Bass has been bad. In fact, he's been pretty good since joining the Boston Celtics. It's just that Sullinger is a rebounder who can do a lot of the same things Bass can do on the court.

Bass hasn't had a rebounding rate over 13.0 percent since he was in Dallas in the 2008-09 season. He has struggled to help end possessions with his rebounding, and that can put quite a toll on the Celtics' veterans. Sullinger would inject some more life, especially on the boards where he was a big-time rebounder at Ohio State.

cont...

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/e.../should-jared-sullinger-start-for-the-celtics

 

[Buckskin86]

3-on-3: What's on tap for Sully?
October, 22, 2012
By Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com

Nick Laham/Getty ImagesJared Sullinger is poised for a big role in his rookie season with the Celtics.

Each weekday leading up to next Tuesday's opening night, I'll play a game of 3-on-3 with ESPN Boston colleague Greg Payne and CelticsHub's Brian Robb to breakdown a key topic surrounding the Celtics' 2012-13 season. Up first: Jared Sullinger's potential rookie impact.


1. What's the top reason that Sullinger should be in the starting lineup?

Payne: He fits. Sullinger's game works with how the starting lineup wants to operate. Not only has he grasped the system and won't be a defensive liability, but he can perform any of the basic tasks required of a big man in Boston's offensive sets. Though we didn't see it much during the preseason, he can step back and knock down an elbow jumper, similar to Brandon Bass, or he can slide down low and serve as a reliable post presence. Additionally, pairing him alongside Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce gives the Celtics their best rebounding frontcourt in years -- an area they haven't exactly excelled in of late. Factor in him setting beefy screens for the likes of Rajon Rondo and Pierce, and his ability to outlet the ball quickly and move up the floor better than people realize, and Sullinger could easily emerge as a productive member of Boston's first five.

cont...

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4698106/3-on-3-whats-on-tap-for-sully

Sullinger hops on 'dinosaur' train
October, 22, 2012
By Greg Payne | ESPNBoston.com

Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesCeltics rookie forward Jared Sullinger handles the ball during preseason play.

BOSTON -- Celtics coach Doc Rivers might have anointed Jeff Green the biggest standout of Boston's preseason, but not far behind was rookie Jared Sullinger, who turned more than a few heads with his steady play, consistent rebounding and overall court presence that seemed well beyond his years.

Boston felt it had a steal when it drafted Sullinger with the 21st overall pick in the 2012 draft after he fell due to concerns over his back (there hasn't been an instance of back-related trouble for Sullinger), and so far, the Ohio State product has the C's feeling good about their investment.

Sullinger averaged 10.9 points and 7.0 rebounds in 26.1 minutes over the eight-game exhibition schedule, jumping in and out of the starting lineup for its entirety. He shot an impressive 56.1 percent from the field and proved to be a reliable free throw shooter, knocking down 84.6 percent of his looks from the stripe.

And though the stats are lofty, more notable were his comfort level on the court and his ability to pick up the Celtics' system faster than some of Boston's other new additions who have been in the league for multiple years. He played alongside the likes of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, rarely missing a beat as they worked together, executing looks on offense and securing stops on defense.

Though he's been studying the game his entire life, Sullinger said he was surprised he found consistent minutes so quickly.

"I mean, we've got a lot of guys that have been in the league for a long time. A couple dinosaurs, but I'm not going to point them out," Sullinger joked. "But, yeah, I'm surprised. I'm very surprised. But that comes with hard work and dedication to the game and just never cheating yourself."

cont..

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4698113/sullinger-hops-on-dinosaur-train

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Znvm3q0vM"]Jared Sullinger says he doesn't care about starting, just wants to win - CLNS Radio - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-ffVOIp8vg"]Sullinger talks to CLNS about the Celtics' team chemistry - CLNS Radio - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

Jared Sullinger just getting started for Boston Celtics
Jared Sullinger has the qualities the Celtics want in a starter.
By Frank Dell'Apa
Globe Staff / October 26, 2012

WALTHAM ? The last time a rookie was in the Celtics starting lineup for the season-opening game, Paul Pierce had 19 points and nine rebounds in a 103-92 loss to the Toronto Raptors Feb. 5, 1999.

It has taken nearly 13 years for another rookie to emerge with a chance to be an opening day starter, and when the Celtics visit Miami Tuesday, Jared Sullinger, 20, could make his professional debut among the starters.

Coach Doc Rivers said on Friday the Celtics will not go with a set group of starters this season. But Sullinger brings most of the qualities the Celtics are seeking and, even if he is among the reserves in the opener, it will likely be just a matter of time before he becomes a regular.

?We pretty much know,? Rivers said of the starters. ?Experience, size ? it depends on the night. I don?t think we?re going to have a set lineup this year, I really don?t. We have three that we?re going to use. We can move it around.?

Sullinger was a starter in five of the eight preseason games ? only Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo had more starts. Brandon Bass is the incumbent at power forward, and has a major edge in experience. Bass is also a more reliable shooter, but Rivers wants that quality coming off the bench.

?Brandon is pick and pop, but Jared is, too,?? Rivers said. ?[Sullinger] is a better shooter than people give him credit for. Brandon knows the personnel, he knows everyone in the league, and Jared doesn?t. With Jared and Kevin on the floor, we have two great passers, and that?s nice when you?re running your offense. You don?t have to have a big on one side of the floor to make a play. And Jared?s the better rebounder.?

cont...

http://www.boston.com/sports/basket...ton-celtics/3aZTbL4S1SDwpaWUxvzy1J/story.html

Sullinger remains humble amid early success
October 26, 2012

WALTHAM, Ma. - The praise has been coming in almost daily for Boston Celtics rookie Jared Sullinger.

Players love his ability to finish around the basket. C's coach Doc Rivers loves his high basketball IQ. Fans love the fact that he rebounds.

All that gushing is enough to make the most level-headed rookie become more like a walking bobble head.

"I'm definitely a rookie," Sullinger said. "I have a lot to learn around here."

Although he has fared well thus far, his first real test will come on Tuesday when the Celtics open at Miami.

Sullinger will likely come off the bench in the season opener, an unusual starting point for the 20-year-old.

"It's different," he said. "Coming from being the man, the go-to guy all these years and now coming here and taking a backseat to some greats, it's a humbling experience. At the same time, I have to get better."

cont...

http://www.csnne.com/basketball-bos...le-amid-early-succ?blockID=794059&feedID=3352

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1_EtW5-DsE"]ESPN Boston: Jared Sullinger at practice (10.26.12) - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abNBjmsUUls"]Rajon Rondo takes on Jared Sullinger in Celtics practice - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipklxWoMS1M"]Rajon Rondo shoots free throws with Jared Sullinger looking - YouTube[/ame]

 

[MaxBuck]

The Celtics got the biggest bargain in the NBA draft of the past 10 years. Sullinger is going to be a great pro, and I continue to be flabbergasted by the depreciation the "knowledgeable" pundits threw his way prior to the draft. They're a bunch of meatheads.

 

[Buckskin86]

Sullinger keeps cool under spotlight
By Steve Bulpett / Celtics Beat
Tuesday, October 30, 2012

MIAMI ? He?s played overseas and in Albany and in Hartford, in addition to a few subdued preseason games in NBA arenas. But what Jared Sullinger will see here tonight, complete with pyrotechnics that honestly feel as if they?ll singe your eyebrows, is a whole different level of weirdness than that to which he is used.

Except for that day at Ohio State.

?We did it one time in college,? Sullinger said. ?Yeah, my freshman year against Wisconsin for senior night we did it. It was pretty cool.?

And they managed to avoid burning the building down.

?No,? he said, ?it?s still there.?

In his last full practice before his first real NBA game, Sullinger was, characteristically for him but not for others of his rookie genre, calm. He strode out at the start, the arm holes of his practice jersey over his head, creating a cape effect.

At a time when even veterans get butterflies, the first-year big man is either unnaturally immune to the wide-eyed willies or he possesses an impressive poker face. Call him Sub-dude.

?You?ve just got to be ready to play,? Sullinger said. ?That?s what it all comes down to. You?ve got to be ready to play. You?ve got to understand that it?s a different type of game now. I mean, there?s going to be more energy. You?re playing against the top team or one of the top teams in the NBA, so you?ve got to understand this building?s going to be rocking. The energy and intensity is going to be up. You?ve just got to be ready mentally to play a basketball game.?

cont..

http://bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/20221030sullinger_keeps_cool_under_spotlight

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b57mS5Slz7I"]Jared Sullinger - Oct 29, 2012 - YouTube[/ame]

 

[614]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJnSGj6q-vQ&feature=plcp"]Jared Sullinger - Trailing Rondo and gets A Monster Slam - Celtics vs Heat 10/30/12 - YouTube[/ame]

First career points for Sully

 

[Tanner]

He's going to be fun to watch this year on the Celtics. He fits in perfectly on a team filled with players who just know how to play basketball

 

[scott91575]

Only got 8 minutes tonight, but IIRC that was due to the matchup. He should be getting more minutes in the future.

 

[Buckskin86]

Jared Sullinger earns first start for Boston Celtics, fails to set world on fire, but contributes to win against Washington Wizards
Published: Sunday, November 04, 2012
Jay King, MassLive.com

Brandon Bass didn't do much wrong during either of his first two outings, but Doc Rivers warned about nights the power forward would come off the bench. The Boston Celtics have options now, and while Rivers doesn't yet quite know how best to use them (not his fault -- give him time), he's also committed to finding out.

So the rookie Jared Sullinger started against the Washington Wizards Saturday night for the first time in his regular season NBA career. He didn't throw kerosene onto the world and set it ablaze, but he did contribute in the manners Rivers expects him to during Boston's 89-86 win.

The 20-year old grabbed Boston's first defensive rebound, scored a layup a few minutes in after locating himself nicely to finish a Rajon Rondo pass, and added three more defensive rebounds in the first eight minutes as Boston built a 15-2 lead. By the time he left the court with 3:53 remaining in the first quarter, Sullinger had four points (he also hit a fadeaway jump shot from about 13 feet) and four rebounds to help the Celtics to a 17-5 advantage.

Sullinger finished the night with a relatively subdued four points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes, taking just three shots. But he helped the Celtics jump on top early, continued to display better defensive fortitude than draft pundits suggested and generally played the part of faux veteran quite well -- based on my notes, Sullinger's only three major mistakes were a forced shot in the paint that had almost no chance, a turnover early in the third quarter and one defensive miscue in the second quarter when he lost opponent Jan Vesely for a dunk.

"He understands his role," Paul Pierce told CSNNE. "We don't give him a lot of touches, but he's a great rebounder. And the touches he's given, he has to be able to take advantage of it. He really fills that middle up. That's what we need."

cont...

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2012/11/jared_sullinger_earns_first_st.html

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_NVMw-rF00"]11-03-12 Jared Sullinger - Postgame - Locker Room - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

In learning pro game, good moves from Sullinger
By Gary Washburn
Globe Staff / November 4, 2012

Sometimes Jared Sullinger just smiles, knowing the battle is not worth fighting, at least not now, not until he earns his respect and gains a reputation.

Regardless of a stellar prep career, and his time at Ohio State, where he developed into a first-round draft pick of the Celtics, Sullinger?s NBA status is that of a lowly first-year player.

He has picked up fouls when officials didn?t want to whistle Kevin Garnett or Paul Pierce, he?s gotten them for merely raising his hands and standing in the same spot, he?s drawn them simply for being a 20-year-old rookie.

Sullinger started his first NBA game Saturday night against the Wizards at the Verizon Center, scoring 4 points with seven rebounds in 30 minutes and picking up four of the Celtics? 12 personal fouls in an 89-86 win. He has eight fouls in the past two games and he lived in foul trouble during the preseason.

Sullinger is receiving the rookie treatment, but he wants to prove he is patient and unselfish enough to accept starting over with the hope that he will flourish eventually. Sullinger has made such an impression on the Celtics during his first few months in Boston that he understands he is doing something right.

Coach Doc Rivers is notoriously hard on rookies, allowing players such as J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker to sit and then depart without much resistance, but he saw something different in Sullinger, whom he has watched play since Sullinger was a freshman in high school.

?I?m just unselfish and I understand I?ve got to pay my dues early,? Sullinger said. ?Kevin, Jason [Terry], Jeff [Green], and Paul are pretty much our base scorers, so when they are in the game, you?ve got to understand that you?re trying to get them open. You play off of them, and that?s where I just try to rebound.?

The most encouraging sign for any Celtics rookie is to be embraced by Garnett, who doesn?t embrace them all. There have been infamous stories during Garnett?s five years with the Celtics of him turning on a first-year player when the youngster dismissed his advice.

cont...

http://www.boston.com/sports/2012/1...for-celtics/sh5jJWyG98clYiJ8wN2VtL/story.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Jared Sullinger paid attention to dad
Teach your children
By Steve Bulpett
Tuesday, November 6, 2012

There is a thread that runs through any Celtics [team stats] conversation regarding Jared Sullinger. You can ask about his low-post offense or his rebounding or his grasp of the defense or his ability to step out and hit the midrange jumper, and somewhere in the first paragraph of the response there is certain to be one distinct phrase.

High basketball IQ.

Coach Doc Rivers is loath to give rookies meaningful minutes right out of the gate, but Sullinger got the start Saturday night in Washington and went for a very solid and complementary four points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes in the 89-86 win.

Kevin Garnett endorsed the move, saying, ?He brings a different component, more importantly rebounding. He knows how to play without the ball. He?s a great passer. He blends well with our starting group.?

Sullinger has earned his time by not only doing what he is told but understanding it. And there are reasons for this. He?s got a good intellect on his shoulders, but it probably helped that his high school coach used to follow him home.

That would be Satch Sullinger, former mentor at Columbus Northland, one of the exemplary programs in the state of Ohio.

Father heard and read the praise for his son.

?It makes me feel like I was right on target with how I?ve been teaching the guys to play,? said Satch, who has sent a string of players on to collegiate success. ?It makes me feel good, man. But it?s not about me; it?s about getting guys prepared to play a game that they love.?

cont..

http://news.bostonherald.com/sports...paid_attention_to_dad/srvc=home&position=also

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvfVbXJqomo"]Globe 10.0: How much will Sullinger contribute to the Celtics? - YouTube[/ame]