Bruce Thornton announces return to Ohio State basketball

Ohio State point guard Bruce Thornton announced his return to the Buckeyes’ basketball program on Twitter Tuesday.

Thornton weighed the decision between returning to school or going to the 2024 NBA Draft. He decided to stay in Columbus.

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In 35 games last season, Thornton averaged 15.7 points per game, 3.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, shot 42.7% from the floor and 33.3% from three-point range.

🌰@TheFoundation1_ pic.twitter.com/mgyUjLM3lF

— Bruce Thornton (@Bruce2T_) April 2, 2024

As a member of the Class of 2022, Thornton was a four-star recruit out of Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 9 point guard in the class and the No. 59 overall prospect in the class.

Thornton’s return is certainly a boost for Ohio State, which made a run following the firing of head coach Chris Holtmann in the middle of the season.

That included an upset over top ranked Purdue.

“We had a crazy week man,” Thornton said in February. “To fire Coach Holtmann. Had to make sure my team came together cause we had a big game against Purdue — we could turn our season around. I still have faith in my teammates and my coaching staff.

“I’m so thankful for my teammates, man. But first of all, I thank my Lord and my savior Jesus Christ first. And praying for my team each and every day. But keep working. We had a crazy week, man. To fire Coach Holtmann. Had to make sure my team came together cause we had a big game against Purdue—we could turn our season around.”

Thornton had faith then and he probably still has faith now to come back.

“I still have faith in my teammates and my coaching staff,” Thornton said. “I’m just so thankful for my teammates for the confidence in me to get the dub today.”