See a couple NBA draft projections for Bruce Thornton:
1.
https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-ohio-state-bruce-thornton
Prospect Profile
Thornton is an Ohio State guard who is playing in his third collegiate season and is having a great campaign. He’s not the tallest player, but his feel and strong frame make up for it. He plays with so much toughness and competitive fire, which is contagious as he elevates his teammates.
The year-over-year scoring production has increased for Thornton, which is a function of vastly improved efficiency rather than just taking more shots. He’s found ways to generate the shots he likes to convert at a high rate on all three levels. Thornton has emerged as a lethal 3-point shooting threat on high volume, which has taken his offensive game to a new level.
Thornton has natural lead guard instincts with the passing numbers to back it up. He can play either guard spot moving forward, but he likely will be a reserve point guard at the NBA level, given his height. He takes good care of the ball and is good in the pick-and-roll, which will be valuable to NBA teams. He’s a good offensive engine as a scorer or facilitator. Thornton is also a solid rebounder for a guard. He has a nose for the ball and is overall just a smart player who identifies every way he can impact winning.
At the point of attack, Thornton is a good on-ball defender who plays with physicality on that end. He plays with a high level of intensity and is disruptive in several ways. He’s a pest on that end and finds ways to be impactful despite his lack of height. He won’t be the most versatile defender at the next level, but he should be just fine against NBA guards.
Thornton is a former top-50, four-star recruit who has lived up to the hype he has entering the Ohio State program.
He doesn’t have star upside, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him end up being a quality backup point guard in the NBA for many years.
Draft Projection
Potential Second-Round Pick in 2025 NBA Draft.
2.
https://nbadraftroom.com/bruce-thornton/
Draft Notes
Bruce Thornton is a tough, hard-nosed point guard who plays a balanced offensive game and competes on both ends.
Has a thick, strong frame which allows him to hold his own against 1’s and 2’s despite not having great height. A very pesky on ball defender who plays low and gets under the ball handler.
Plays with his head up and is always looking to set up an open shot. Has a lot of patience with the ball and doesn’t get rushed. A crafty pick and roll operator.
Thornton isn’t a high volume shooter but is very efficient with his looks and gets his offense within the flow of the game.
Comparisons
Draft Projection
possible second round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft
Bruce Thornton has been a high-level contributor for three years at Ohio State, but will he celebrate a senior day with the Buckeyes?
www.dispatch.com
As Ohio State honors seniors vs Nebraska, Bruce Thornton closing out third impactful season
- Bruce Thornton has solidified as a captain and primary contributor during his three years at Ohio State.
- When the Buckeyes host Nebraska on senior day, Thornton will not be among the group of honorees.
- If Bruce Thornton stays at Ohio State for a fourth year, he will have an opportunity to set some significant school records.
Before the season started, coach Jake Diebler said he had a talk with Thornton about what the future might hold and the two discussed a key goal for the 6-foot-2, 215-pound guard.
“Both of ours goal for him is to play his way into the NBA,” Diebler said Monday. “I hope that by the end of the season he will have done enough to do that. We want that for him, but the one thing about him and one thing that makes him such a good player is he focuses on the here and now and he goes hard every single day he steps between the lines.
“He takes care of himself at a high level. That’s where the focus has been, but make no mistake, we’re aligned in what our goals were for him personally going into this season. I think he’s taken a step forward from where he was last year in that regard.”
Just sayin':
1) OK, I haven't seen Bruce listed on any "Mock" 2025 NBA draft lists.
The 2025 NBA Mock Draft features the top players in the 2024 recruiting class. This is a running list that will be updated as new info comes
nbadraftroom.com
Specializing in drafts with top players on the NBA horizon, player profiles, scouting reports, rankings and prospective international recruits.
www.nbadraft.net
The NBA Trade Deadline is almost here, with just a few days until the final buzzer. Meanwhile, college programs are deep in conference play. The 2025 NBA Draft
www.si.com
2) Re: "He doesn’t have star upside, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him end up being a quality backup point guard in the NBA for many years."
I'll say a) if he has a chance to improve his game to possibly be a 1st round pick (i. e. more money with a guaranteed multi year contract, he should return for his Senior year or b) if he has hit his maximum potential (with virtually no chance of ever being a 1st round draft pick), he might as well declare for the draft.
3) Who thinks that there is chance that he'll be back for his Senior year?