Thornton had a decorated four-year career at Ohio State that culminated with the program’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2022. The former four-star recruit started all 136 games in his career and only missed one game in four seasons. His production also grew in every season, culminating with averages of 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals as a senior.
About
Ohio State's all-time leading scorer with 2164 career points.
One of only two Big Ten players ever to finish with 2,000+ points, 500+ rebounds, and 500+ assists.
Three-time All-Big Ten selection including Second Team honors in 2025 and 2026.
Strengths
Big-bodied guard with extreme versatility in terms of the places and ways he can create offense for himself and his teammates. Ranked in the 90th percentile or better coming off ball-screens, in isolations, spotting-up, or posting-up less powerful guards.
Similar versatility in his shot-chart. Made 52% of his unguarded catch and shoot 3-pointers, an extreme 57% of his mid-range pull-ups, and 59% at the rim. Also has a very low turnover rate, giving him equally extreme efficiency for such a high-volume, multi-level attacker.
Long and strong build with a plus-five wingspan differential and a low center of gravity that makes him very good at creating leverage and difficult to move off his spots.
Weaknesses
Lacks prototypical NBA caliber physical tools. Measured at 6’0” without shoes on and was below average in agility and lateral quickness at the combine. Didn’t record a single dunk in his senior season at Ohio State.
Potentially less untapped upside since he will turn 23 before the next NBA season begins and appears close to maxed out physically.
Scalability of his offensive role is unlikely and will simultaneously be targeted more frequently on the defensive end of the floor, so his identity will likely have to evolve quite a bit to find a niche at the next level.
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