The Ohio State basketball program has had a rough end to the season. After it looked like they were definitely going to be in the NCAA Tournament, they collapsed in the second half of the season. Now, they might be on the outside of the bubble if they don't win a couple of games in the Big Ten Tournament.
The Buckeyes haven't had a lot of solid play from their guys in the second half of the year. In fact, there has only been one guy who they have been able to count on in most of their games this season. That is point guard Bruce Thornton, who is their best player.
Thornton has been their best player for each of the last couple of seasons. He is someone who can create his own shot, no matter how tough of a situation he might be in. He's also one of the few guys who can create shots for others, too. On Tuesday, he was honored by the Big Ten.
Ohio State basketball player Bruce Thornton earns All-Big Ten honors
Thornton was the only Buckeye player to be given All-Big Ten honors. He was selected as a Second-team All-Big Ten performer by both the coaches and the media. Of all of the Oio State Buckeyes on the roster, he is the only one who warranted that honor this season.
The Buckeyes need him to play at the top of his game if they are going to win a couple of games in the Big Ten Tournament to punch their ticket into the NCAA Tournament. Thornton is the only player they have who can consistently create any source of offense for this team.
For the season, Thornton averaged 17.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He shot 49.7% from the field and 42.6% from three. He was clearly the best offensive player the Ohio State Buckeyes had on their roster in the regular season.
Can Thornton carry the Buckeyes to the NCAA Tournament? Only time will tell. He needs some help from his teammates to make that dream a reality.