No, the most logical choice would have been to land on a runway as the tower was advising him to do.
Altutude and speed are the life of an aircraft and the professional judgment involved was Sullenberger's quick evaluation of the fact that he was, in his own words, "Too low and too slow" and his rejection of the tower's advice.
Only after that professional judgment was made does it become "obvious" to land in the river instead of landing on a neighborhood.
“Only after that professional judgment was made does it become “obvious” to land in the river instead of landing on a neighborhood.”
Exactly right. That is why the person flying the plane is referred to as the “Pilot in command”.