1. SO Bruce Thornton
2023-24 season stats: 15.8 ppg and 4.2 apg
A former top-50 prospect in the 2022 class, Thornton was an instant impact contributor out of the gate. The 6’2 playmaker averaged 10.6 ppg and 2.6 apg as a freshman, starting all 35 games. He shot 46% from the field and 38% from three-point range. With an even larger role in the offense, Thornton’s raw numbers have increased this season, though his shooting splits (41% FG and 33% 3PT) have suffered.
Still, the sophomore guard has made a case for All-Big Ten. He’s had 11+ points in 21 of 25 games, including a 29-point effort in a win over Alabama when the team was rolling. Thornton recently put up 24 points in a double-overtime win over Maryland.
Thornton also has a 4:1 assist-to-turnover ratio this season and has limited his mistakes. He’s not the greatest defender but in a sport that needs good guards, he’d instantly become one of the best players to enter the NCAA Basketball this offseason if he were to do so.
The Buckeye guard is from the state of Georgia and picked Ohio State over Alabama, Indiana, Georgia, and Purdue. While the Boilermakers are good at guard, the other three could try for a round 2 to try and land Thornton again.