Ohio State men’s basketball interim head coach Jake Diebler has finally addressed the growing concerns surrounding the Buckeyes’ backcourt, particularly focusing on the situation involving star guard Bruce Thornton, as transfer portal rumors continue to swirl. In his first in-depth comments since the offseason chatter began, Diebler provided clarity on his approach to stabilizing the team’s guard position and keeping Thornton at the heart of the Buckeyes’ future.
“There’s no hiding from it — the transfer portal has created a lot of noise,” Diebler admitted in a press conference. “But we’re laser-focused on keeping our core intact and making smart additions where needed. Bruce is a huge part of our plans, and we’re doing everything to ensure he knows his value here.”
Thornton, who emerged as a cornerstone player for the Buckeyes with his playmaking ability and leadership, has been the subject of widespread speculation regarding his future with the program. Multiple reports have linked him to potential interest from other top programs, sparking concern among Ohio State fans. However, Diebler’s comments suggest that Ohio State is determined to not only retain Thornton but also strengthen the guard rotation around him.
“We believe in building around our leaders, and Bruce is undoubtedly one of them,” Diebler emphasized. He also hinted that the Buckeyes are actively exploring options in the portal to complement Thornton’s skill set, aiming to construct a more dynamic and resilient backcourt for the upcoming season.
The transfer portal era has made roster stability a major challenge, and Ohio State is feeling the pressure. Still, Diebler’s transparent remarks have offered a glimmer of reassurance to Buckeyes supporters eager for continuity and success. As portal drama continues to unfold, all eyes remain on Columbus to see how the situation resolves — and whether Thornton will stay to lead the charges
