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Sullinger ducked Kansas in December? That’s just ‘funny’

spt-120330-sullingertease

Mike Miller

Back spasms prevented Ohio State center Jared Sullinger from playing in December’s loss to Kansas. It was one of two games the sophomore missed this season, leading to some (Read: Kansas fans) wonder if the All-American was just ducking Kansas.

After all, the Jayhawks feature an All-American forward of their own in junior Thomas Robinson. He’s not as skilled as Sullinger, but he’s more athletic. Maybe Sullinger was worried how he’d fare?

Hardly.

Sullinger, Ohio State’s leading scorer (17.6 ppg) and rebounder (9.1 rpg) laughs at that notion.

“People think playing with back spasms is a walk in the park. You can’t bend. You can’t do lateral movements. I was just gonna hurt the basketball team if I tried to play,” Sullinger said.

“I think it’s funny. Appreciate the comment.”

It’s unclear if Sullinger and Robinson will guard each other on Saturday, though. Kansas may be more likely to use center Jeff Withey on Sullinger and try Robinson on the more mobile Deshaun Thomas.

You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.