By MARK VIERA (NYTimes.com) -

NEWARK — Ohio State’s crushing 62-60 loss to Kentucky in the Round of 16 on Friday was eased somewhat — and at least temporarily — by Jared Sullinger’s announcement afterward that he would return to Columbus next season.

Sullinger, one of the nation’s top players as a freshman, was projected as a lottery pick in the N.B.A. draft.

The 6-foot-9 Sullinger said the emotions from the Buckeyes’ heartbreaking defeat, which came on a Brandon Knight jumper with 5.4 seconds left, did not affect his announcement. Ohio State (34-3) was the top overall seed in the N.C.A.A. men’s tournament.

“I’m a man of my word,” Sullinger told reporters. “I won’t change my mind for nobody. This is what I want. This is where I’m happy. I’m happy being an Ohio State Buckeye and playing for Coach Matta.”

Ohio State will lose three key seniors — Jon Diebler, Dallas Lauderdale and David Lighty. The return of Sullinger and the junior William Buford would bolster the team.

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