Jake Diebler couldn’t hold back some emotional words he had for Bruce Thornton after his Ohio State career was ended by TCU

Ohio State’s head coach was emotional talking about Bruce Thornton after the Buckeyes ended their season in the NCAA Tournament.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK

Bruce Thornton played in 136 games with the Ohio State Buckeyes during his four-year college basketball career and he started every single one of those games. Start No. 136 for Thornton was his first NCAA Tournament game and the last time he’ll suit up for the Buckeyes. 

Thornton became Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer this season and making the postseason only seemed right for a player who was loyal to Columbus when he didn’t have to be. 

In an era where transfers happen left and right, especially at places that are struggling for success like Ohio State, Thornton remained loyal and never bit the portal.

 Ohio State’s 66-64 loss to TCU wasn’t the way the Buckeyes planned to end their season, and it left head coach Jake Diebler a bit emotional after the game.   

Jake Diebler gets honest about Bruce Thornton after loss to TCU

“I love him,” Diebler stated. “He will always be a part of our family. It’s not just him it’s all those guys. Those guys bought into what we wanted to do and we took an important step for our program. He was a huge reason for that.”

Thornton went out with just 10 points against TCU in an uncharacteristic game. The Georgia native’s half-court heave would have won it at the buzzer, but it slammed off the backboard. Ohio State’s season ended in the round of 64, a place they hadn’t been in four years. 

The Ohio State star Thornton averaged 20.2 points per game as a senior and he’ll be tough for the Buckeyes to replace going forward. Jr can’t be underestimated what the four-year starter meant to the scarlet and gray on the court during his time in the 614.  

Related Articles