Ex-Teammates: Ohio State Friends Complete Kidney Donation

Twenty years of friendship led to one life-saving moment when former Ohio State basketball player JJ Sullinger donated his kidney to save his teammate Terence Dials.

Dials and Sullinger first met in the early 2000s at Value City Arena, where they played basketball together for the Buckeyes. Dials had earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 2006, while Sullinger transferred home from Arkansas to play alongside his future lifelong friend.

But their bond would be tested in ways neither could have imagined on the court. Dials spent 10 years fighting chronic kidney disease, watching his condition worsen with each passing year.

When doctors told him to start looking for a kidney donor among family and friends, Sullinger stepped up immediately. He didn't hesitate or ask for time to think about it.

The two underwent successful transplant surgery on October 12. In a video released by the Ohio State basketball program, Dials became emotional describing his friend's selfless decision.

"The real hero of this story is J.J.," Dials said. "He's the one who had a selfless act. This is the most selfless act you can do."

Sullinger addressed the current Ohio State team to explain his choice. He told them this decision didn't happen overnight but started over 20 years ago when a friendship was forged through competing side by side.

Why This Inspires

This story captures what true friendship really means. Most of us say we'd do anything for our closest friends, but Sullinger proved it by literally giving part of himself to save Dials' life.

Their journey shows how sports can create bonds stronger than many family ties. The pressure and intensity of competing at the highest level of college athletics built a foundation of trust that endured for two decades.

Sullinger explained that basketball brought them together, but something much bigger than the game kept them connected. That connection meant more than any championship or accolade either could have earned.

Now both men are recovering together, their brotherhood deepened in ways most people will never experience. Dials has a second chance at life, and Sullinger has the knowledge that he gave his friend that gift.

Their story reminds us that the relationships we build matter far more than any individual achievement, and sometimes the greatest victories happen far away from any arena.