DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Jared Sullinger absorbed some "tough love" from his coach and father last season.

That, more than his 19.9 points and 14.8 rebounds this season, had more to do with his being named the 2009 Associated Press Mr. Basketball winner.

A year ago the Columbus Northland standout wasn't doing his schoolwork or applying himself in class.

So Satch Sullinger held his son out of Northland's loss to Westerville South, which derailed Northland's tourney run.

Now, the 6-foot-9 Jared Sullinger has a 3.2 GPA and is better than ever. Lesson learned.

"Last year, I messed up with grades, and we lost that game," Jared said. "That's the most pressure I've ever had on me."

Northland (25-1) plays Warren Harding in the Division I state semifinals on Friday night.

Many recruiting experts tab Jared as the top junior prospect in the nation. He has verbally committed to play for Ohio State and coach Thad Matta in 18 months.

He is only the fifth junior to win the prestigious Mr. Basketball award, joining Jimmy Jackson, Greg Simpson, LeBron James and O.J. Mayo.

Others considered for the award included Graham's Josh Schuler, C.J. McCollum of Canton GlenOak, Carl Jones of Garfield Heights, Orlando Williams of Cincinnati Princeton, Kenton's Garrick Sherman, Tyler Tucci of Malvern and Aaron Craft of Findlay Liberty-Benton.

Previous winners

2008: William Buford, Toledo Libbey

2007: Jon Diebler, Upper Sandusky

2005-06: O.J. Mayo, Cincinnati North College Hill

2004: Jamar Butler, Lima Shawnee

2001-03: LeBron James, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary

2000: (tie) Tony Stockman, Medina, and Chester Mason, Cleveland South