The Ohio State basketball team is in a new era now. This is the Jake Diebler era and he’s trying to start it off right. His first goal once the season ended was to go into roster retention mode. He wants to keep as many guys from the current team as possible. While he’s lost a couple of guys to the transfer portal so far, he’s done a pretty good job.
Losing Scotty Middleton is less than ideal, but the Buckeyes have yet to lose a starter. Felix Okpara announced that he is returning for next season as well, which was a big deal too. He’s the only center on the roster who has any experience at all. The Buckeyes got the news on Tuesday that their best player is coming back too.
Bruce Thornton is returning to the Ohio State basketball team
It was announced that Bruce Thornton will be returning to the Ohio State basketball team next season. He is the driver of their offense and the person who makes everyone on the court better. Because he is back, it puts a lot less pressure on the other guards who are on the roster. Thornton also bails Ohio State out when the offense stalls.
Bringing Thornton back is the best thing that could have happened for Diebler heading into his first full season as a head coach. He led the Buckeyes in scoring, assists, and steals this past year. He is the engine to the offense. While his shooting percentages dipped this season, that was mostly due to Thornton having to take some bad shots late in the shot clock early in the year.
I would expect Thornton to be even better next season. He still has room to grow as a player. He wants to come back and make the NCAA Tournament next year and help upgrade his draft stock too. Thornton believes that Diebler can help him do that.
Things are looking up for the Ohio State basketball team next season.b
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