Former CBA import Jared Sullinger announces retirement at 34, previously won Best International Player award

On September 4 Beijing time, 34-year-old former NBA and CBA player Jared Sullinger announced his retirement on social media and confirmed that he will join the Ohio State men's basketball coaching staff as director of player development at his alma mater.

Jared Sullinger said: “After giving everything I have to this game, it is time to officially step away from the court. What a journey this has been. From a kid in Columbus, Ohio, with a dream, to putting on an Ohio State jersey, to hearing my name called on draft night, representing the Boston Celtics, and having the privilege of wearing jerseys for teams around the world—every city, every province, every country, every community, every teammate, coach, fan and every club became part of my story.”

“Basketball has given me far more than I could ever give back, but as one chapter ends, another begins. With immense gratitude and pride, I announce that I will join the Ohio State coaching staff—from the moment I knew I would coach someday, this has been my dream. I am going home to pour my experience into the next generation, represent the Scarlet and Gray again, and give back to a place that has given me so much. I am hanging up my jersey, but I am not leaving this game. I am just changing seats. Forever a Buckeye.”

Born on March 4, 1992, Sullinger was selected by the Celtics with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft. He played for the Celtics and the Toronto Raptors, appearing in 269 NBA games with averages of 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He later moved on to leagues in China, South Korea and Puerto Rico.

During his CBA career, he played 247 regular-season games, averaging 21.2 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game; in 34 playoff games, he averaged 20.9 points, 12.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists.