Ohio State University’s basketball program received some exciting news on Tuesday. Bruce Thornton, star point guard, announced that he will be returning to the Buckeyes for his junior season. Additionally, Meechie Johnson, a talented guard, revealed that he will be transferring back to Ohio State for his final year of college basketball. These developments have sparked optimism among fans and experts alike, as the Buckeyes look to build a formidable backcourt for the upcoming season.
Bruce Thornton, who led Ohio State in points, assists, and steals per game last season, took to social media to make his announcement. He expressed his commitment to the Buckeyes and wrote, “Buckeye nation, I’m coming back.” Thornton’s decision to return is a major boon for Ohio State, as he played a pivotal role in their success last season and is expected to continue his stellar performance.
Meechie Johnson, a 6-foot-2 guard, also shared his decision on social media, stating, “I’m coming home.” Johnson had previously played for Ohio State during his freshman and sophomore years before transferring to South Carolina for the past two seasons. During his time at South Carolina, Johnson flourished and showcased his skills as a high-major starting point guard.
Johnson’s scouting report highlights his aggressive and attack-oriented style of play. He is versatile enough to excel both on and off the ball and has proven himself as a scorer rather than a distributor. His offensive contributions primarily come from ball screens and spot-ups, although he has also shown the ability to create opportunities when sets break down late in the shot clock. While Johnson has some areas for improvement, such as consistency in creating high-efficiency shots on his own, he is undoubtedly a valuable asset to any team.
For Ohio State, the return of Thornton and the addition of Johnson mean that they have the potential to field one of the best backcourts in the Big Ten next season. Thornton’s skill set as a pure point guard complements Johnson’s abilities as a scoring guard. This dynamic duo will provide Ohio State with a well-rounded backcourt that can contribute both offensively and defensively.
However, the Buckeyes will need to address the departure of Scotty Middleton, as his size and on-ball defensive skills played a crucial role in the team’s success. To compensate for this loss, Ohio State will likely explore options in the transfer portal to find a player who can fill the void left by Middleton.
Overall, Ohio State is shaping up to be a potential preseason top-25 team in Jake Diebler’s first full year as head coach. With Thornton, Johnson, Roddy Gayle (assuming he returns), and Felix Okpara forming a talented starting five, the Buckeyes have the offensive firepower to make a significant impact next season. While there are areas that need addressing, the addition of Thornton and Johnson has undoubtedly bolstered Ohio State’s chances of success.
As fans eagerly await the start of the new season, it is clear that Ohio State’s basketball program is on the rise. With the return of key players and the addition of talented transfers, the Buckeyes are poised to make waves in the Big Ten and beyond.