Jake Diebler has picked up the biggest win that the Ohio State Buckeyes can land this offseason with their roster
The Ohio State Buckeyes are undergoing a big transition with their roster this offseason. After missing the NCAA Tournament for a third straight time, the Buckeyes have to make some big changes. So far, transfers out include Austin Parks, Evan Mahaffey, Meechie Johnson Jr, and Aaron Bradshaw. The Buckeyes have brought in Indiana G Gabe […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes are undergoing a big transition with their roster this offseason. After missing the NCAA Tournament for a third straight time, the Buckeyes have to make some big changes.
So far, transfers out include Austin Parks, Evan Mahaffey, Meechie Johnson Jr, and Aaron Bradshaw. The Buckeyes have brought in Indiana G Gabe Cupps as their lone get in the transfer portal.
One domino that has been waiting to drop is what will happen with Ohio State’s best player. The good news is in.
Ohio State G Bruce Thornton set to return for his senior season in Columbus
Head coach Jake Diebler revealed that Thornton would test the NBA waters but that he expects him to return to Columbus for his last year of eligibility. This comes as a big win for the Buckeyes and the best news they’ll likely receive this offseason.
"He's gonna go through the NBA draft process, which I'm really excited for him to go through and get feedback," Diebler said Thursday morning. "If he can stay in and be an NBA player, great because I think he is an NBA player. Maybe he's not yet, and if he's not, he's gonna come back to Ohio State. That's something that should be celebrated. It says something about what we have going here. Someone in today's landscape who is gonna be a Buckeye.”
Ohio State wasn’t bringing in a better player than their 6-foot-2 guard who has started all 102 games he’s played for the Buckeyes since he arrived on campus. As a junior, Thornton was second-team All-Big Ten with 17.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. The Georgia native has improved consistently with the Buckeyes.
As a freshman, Thornton averaged 10.6 and 2.5 assists per game in 30.5 minutes a game. Those numbers jumped to 15.7 points and 4.8 assists per game in 33.6 minutes. In his junior season, Thornton was on the court for 36.2 minutes a game.
Ohio State has already revealed that John Mobley Jr. would be returning for his sophomore season. The Buckeyes will have their starting backcourt intact for the 2025-2026 season and Cupps figures to be a backup point guard.
All focus now points to the Buckeyes bringing in some size that they desperately need in the front court. Keeping Thornton for his senior season is a big win for Ohio State.
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