By: Marla Ridenour (Beacon Journal via Ohio.com) -

Steve Kerr spent 15 seasons as an NBA player and three more as general manager of the Phoenix Suns, so he should know a lottery pick when he sees one.

And he sees one in Ohio State freshman Jared Sullinger.

”If he didn’t go in the top five, I’d be absolutely shocked,” Kerr said. ”Especially this year. You look at the draft, it’s not a great draft. I’m sorry to say that, Ohio State fans. Don’t blame me if he leaves.”

The majority of former NBA players working for CBS Sports and Turner Broadcasting who took part in a March Madness media day Tuesday at Le Parker Meridien Hotel in New York aren’t in favor of freshmen turning pro. This marks the first year the two networks will team to televise the NCAA Tournament, and hall of famer Charles Barkley said he’s going to use this platform to rail against it.

”I’m going to be beating them in the head on TV,” Barkley said. ”I hate the one-and-done thing. The NBA gets mad when I say it, the players’ union, but they don’t ever look at the big picture. You’re giving me players in the NBA who aren’t ready for the NBA.”

Reggie Miller, Len Elmore and Kerr shared Barkley’s sentiments. But Ohio State alum Clark Kellogg said the only things that might keep Sullinger in Columbus would be an early ouster of the Buckeyes in the NCAA Tournament or ……

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