Ohio State's Bruce Thornton Poised for NBA Future

Undersized point guard's scoring prowess and efficiency could make him a second-round NBA Draft pick.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Despite standing just 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, Ohio State senior Bruce Thornton has proven himself as a consistent and efficient scorer throughout his college career. While his size and lack of elite athleticism may raise concerns about his NBA potential, Thornton's ability to shoot, handle the ball, and limit turnovers could make him an attractive option for teams looking for a scoring point guard in the second round of the upcoming NBA Draft.

Why it matters

Thornton's unconventional size and build for a point guard position may cause some NBA teams to overlook his impressive production and efficiency at the college level. However, the league's increasing emphasis on perimeter shooting and playmaking could make Thornton an intriguing prospect, especially for teams willing to overlook potential defensive limitations in favor of his offensive skills.

The details

Despite standing several inches shorter than the prototypical NBA point guard, Thornton has steadily improved his scoring output in each of his four seasons at Ohio State, shooting over 50% from the field and 38% from three-point range over the last two years. He's also a reliable free-throw shooter and has consistently limited turnovers, averaging just one per game throughout his college career.

  • Thornton has played four seasons at Ohio State, from 2022-23 through 2025-26.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June.

The players

Bruce Thornton

A 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior point guard at Ohio State University.

Darius Garland

A 6-foot-1 point guard for the Los Angeles Clippers.

T.J. McConnell

A 6-foot-1 point guard for the Indiana Pacers.

Jalen Brunson

A 6-foot-2 point guard for the New York Knicks and a 2025-26 NBA All-Star.

Evan Mobley

A center for the Cleveland Cavaliers who helps cover for the defensive limitations of the team's smaller guards.

Jarrett Allen

A center for the Cleveland Cavaliers who helps cover for the defensive limitations of the team's smaller guards.

Mitchell Robinson

A center for the New York Knicks who helps cover for the defensive limitations of the team's smaller guards, including Jalen Brunson.

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What’s next

The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June, where Thornton will look to be selected, likely in the second round.

The takeaway

Despite concerns about his size and athleticism, Bruce Thornton's consistent scoring ability, efficient shooting, and ball-handling skills could make him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams looking for a scoring point guard in the second round of the upcoming draft.