By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Columbus, OH

The National Basketball Association will not invite former Ohio State star Jared Sullinger to the NBA draft after receiving reports that the two-time all-American would not be selected in the top 15.

"He's more likely to go in the teens or in the 20s," NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson told ESPN.com. "We continue to have contact with teams, but at this late date we don't anticipate inviting him."

Jackson added that list of projected lottery players will be released Tuesday. The players must be notified by late Monday since they have to be in New York by Tuesday night. The NBA Draft will be held June 28 at the Newark's Prudential Center.

Satch Sullinger, Jared's father, said the family will host a party at a Columbus restaurant instead of attending the draft.

"We haven't been invited, so we're not going to go," he said. "Unless (Pistons GM) Joe Dumars said they like him at No. 9, we're not going to go."

Jared worked out for Detroit, which picks ninth, New Orleans (for its No. 10 pick), Portland (No. 11), Golden State (No. 7 and No. 30) and Toronto (No. 8). He cancelled a workout in Cleveland last week since the family didn't see how he could be taken at No. 4.

The elder Sullinger also refuted reports that his son has a back issue as reported by ESPN.com. The medical reports were flagged by a number of teams after the Chicago pre-draft camp.

"My son had muscle issues and not a disk problem," he said.

Back spasms hounded Jared last December and forced him to miss a road game at Kansas but he was healthy enough to lead the Buckeyes to the Final Four.

Satch said his son's agent, David Falk, is working diligently behind the scenes to ease any issues about Jared's back.

"He wants the opportunity to play," Satch said. "He knows he'll play in the NBA. All it does is give him motivation. This just keeps him hungry and he'll earn it. It's a business."

"He's going to play in the NBA, whatever number he goes doesn't matter. He's going to be like a top five pick in the NBA," Satch added.

 

Hawks hire Danny Ferry as new GM

Atlanta, GA

The Atlanta Hawks named Danny Ferry general manager and president of basketball operations.

Ferry was vice president of basketball operations with the San Antonio Spurs for the past two seasons. He was the GM of the Cavaliers for six seasons (2005-10) prior to joining San Antonio.

"Over the past nine years Danny Ferry has earned tremendous respect as a front office executive in the NBA," said Hawks' co-owner Bruce Levenson. "His philosophy, character, and commitment to creating enduring and successful organizations exemplify exactly what we are looking for in a leader of the Atlanta Hawks.

"Danny's systematic and value-driven approach has helped him become one of the preeminent minds in basketball. He is passionate about building an organization the right way, knows how to win and knows how to forge winning teams. We look forward to having him as our leader of basketball operations."

The Hawks opted not to renew the contract of Rick Sund but weren't sure Ferry would be available after he interviewed for open positions elsewhere and was a finalist with the 76ers.

Ferry had a 13-year NBA career including stints with the Spurs and Cavaliers. He won an NBA championship as a member of the Spurs in 2003.

 

 

NBA Will Not Invite Ex-Ohio State Star Jared Sullinger to Draft