Over the last four years, Bruce Thornton has been the linchpin of the Ohio State basketball program. He has been the only one who can be consistently relied on. The Buckeyes have relied on him to create offense when nothing has been going on. Quite frankly, he's been a star.
Thronton was one of the few Ohio State Buckeyes who was universally loved by fans. While his final game ended in disappointment, Thornton got better every year as a player. Unfortunately for fans, he is out of eligibility, meaning that he had to declare for the NBA Draft.
Thronton wasn't expected to be a first-round pick, and he was not. However, he didn't have to wait very long in the second round in order to become a pro. After the New York Knicks traded the 31st overall pick in the Draft to the Houston Rockets, they took Thornton right away.
Ohio State basketball player Bruce Thornton gets drafted by the Houston Rockets
After being selected by Houston, Thornton becomes the first Buckeye player to be taken in the NBA Draft since Brice Sensabaugh in 2023. Thornton enters an interesting situation in Houston, as their guards are in flux at the moment. He can certainly help them defensively.
Thornton is stout, even if he isn't very tall. He's someone who doesn't get moved off his spot easily. He's built a lot like Fred VanVleet, who is the Rockets' starting point guard. He is coming off a torn ACL after he missed all of last season. Thornton actually has a shot to earn a spot on this team.
Offensively, Thornton showed a lot of efficiency while having to create his shot a ton. He shot 55 percent from the floor and 40 percent from beyond the 3-point arc last season with the Buckeyes. Houston won't get that good of shooting splits from him, but he's an effective option off the bench.
Bruce Thornton can actually earn playing time for the Rockets
While a lot of second-round picks have to fight to make the team, Thornton actually has a shot. He could become a third or fourth guard off the bench behind VanVleet and Reed Sheppard. Houston's big problem last season was not having a point guard to set everyone up.
Thornton gets to join former Buckeye Jae'Sean Tate on the roster. Tate is on the fringes of the rotation, but it's still nice to have another Buckeye on the roster with him. It wouldn't be shocking to see Thornton get 15 minutes a night off the bench next season.
I don't see Thornton being a superstar in the NBA at any point, but he could carve out a decent NBA career as a backup. He's good enough to play in a postseason series, too. Houston is getting a solid player, although it is a bit surprising to see him drafted this high.
Jake Diebler is hoping to have more Buckeyes drafted in the next couple of years. This is only the beginning for him.
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