I had the privilege to interview my guy Julian Sullinger, who is now the Men’s Assistant Basketball Coach at Tiffin University (Division II). Sullinger was an All-State performer in high school while playing for his father Satch Sullinger at Northland High School. Northland is regarded as a national powerhouse with the recent pipeline of Devon Moore(James Madison), J.D Weatherspoon(OSU/Toledo), Jalen Robinson(Dayton), Jordan Potts(UNC-Greensboro), Trey Burke(Naismith Player of the Year and NBA Lottery Pick), and Jared Sullinger(Boston Celtics) – just to name a few.
Prior to their arrival, Julian Sullinger helped to lay the foundation at Northland High School. After graduating in 2004, Sullinger went on to play at Fork Union Military Academy. He also won two MAC titles while playing for the Kent State Golden Flashes.
In Columbus, Ohio the last name Sullinger is to basketball what Kennedy is to politics. Whether it is mentioning James “Satch” Sullinger, J.J., Jared, Julian, or even Mrs. Barbara Sullinger, you know that basketball will be a topic of discussion at least 90% of the time. Julian will get his chance to carve out his own niche as collegiate coach and will do so wearing the Sullinger name with pride. Sit back and enjoy the interview.
Here’s to a very long and successful coaching career. Congratulations!
RH: What made you get into coaching?
JS:” After I was done playing college ball I considered playing ball professionally. I had some opportunities but I never pursued or they fell through. I enjoyed the game in general. I helped around the city in recreation centers and my father at Northland. Years went by and the window to play was closing but I still missed the camaraderie of being a part of a unit. Working a 9-5 became strenuous and I heard about interest at Tiffin University. Jerry Buccilla, who is now the head coach here called me we met and I became instantly interested in the job and I’ve been loving it ever since.”
RH: How does it feel coaching at the coaching at the collegiate level?
JS: “Coaching at the collegiate level is great, even though I haven’t coached in my first “real” game. Just having the label as a coach has given me a chance to reconnect with old coaches and players I’ve played with and against who has chosen the same area.”
RH: What will be your role as far as recruiting and player development?
JS: “I will be having my hands in all phases of the program but my main focus will be post development and recruiting out of the state of Ohio, mainly central Ohio.”
RH: Is there any added pressure (from yourself or outside pressure) since you come from a basketball family?
JS: “Pressure???…… I wouldn’t say pressure but I do feel as if I wear that “name” on my sleeve and am willing to take on the obstacles and journeys that come along with it.”
RH: What Does the Team Look Like This Season?
JS: “The team looks really solid. With the pieces we’re adding along with the nucleus we have back we should be very competitive. Our goal is to win every game as so everyone else’s is but realistically a 20 win season.”
RH: We know that your father Satch Sullinger played a huge role in your love for coaching, Is there any other coaching mentors you look to for advice?
JS: “My mother!!!!!! She handles situations better than anyone else I know. Of course Satch was a HUGE piece but my mom has help mold all four boys. Another man whom I look to for advice was my coach in prep school, Fletcher Arritt. Although he had knowledge of the game, I look to him more so for the man he is. He is such a great man in all aspect.”
Congrats to Coach Sullinger, and We would like to wish you and the Tiffin Dragon’s good luck to a successful season.
