Bruce Thornton of Ohio State was not invited to the NBA combine or the G League camp.

Bruce Thornton’s sophomore season at Ohio State was supposed to be his national coming-out party—a defining year to cement himself among the top guards in the country and declare for the NBA with serious momentum. Instead, he now finds himself facing an uncertain path to professional basketball, after being left off both the NBA Draft Combine and the G League Elite Camp invite lists.

In the high-stakes world of NBA Draft preparation, not receiving either invitation is a blunt signal. It’s a message from league scouts and executives that, for now, a player isn’t seen as one of the 78 most draftable or closely-watched prospects in the country. For Thornton, it’s a jarring development—especially given how promising his trajectory once looked.

Thornton came to Columbus as a highly-touted four-star recruit in the class of 2022, ranked among the top 10 point guards nationally. In a turbulent Ohio State program undergoing both a roster overhaul and coaching scrutiny, he was a stabilizing force. As a freshman, Thornton started 32 of 35 games and averaged 10.6 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, all while showing impressive poise and leadership for an 18-year-old.

Ohio State envisioned him as the centerpiece of a rebuilding effort. Thornton accepted that role with enthusiasm, and he looked the part early in his sophomore campaign. Over the first month of the 2023–24 season, he flashed a sharper scoring touch, improved decision-making, and better command of the offense. For a brief window, Thornton’s name was surfacing in early mock drafts—not as a lottery pick, but as a potential second-round sleeper.

But as Ohio State’s season spiraled—culminating in the midseason firing of head coach Chris Holtmann—Thornton’s development plateaued. His individual numbers were solid: 15.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. He shot 44% from the field and 32.2% from beyond the arc. Still, scouts were waiting for the breakout moment that never quite came. And as the Buckeyes drifted into mediocrity, Thornton’s stock became increasingly stagnant.

Every May, the NBA hosts its official Draft Combine in Chicago, inviting roughly 78 players who are either projected first- or second-round picks or are on the fringe with real buzz. Before that, the G League Elite Camp—essentially the Combine’s play-in tournament—brings together an additional group of around 40–50 prospects. The top performers at the Elite Camp can earn a late call-up to the Combine itself.

The process allows NBA front offices to gather in one place and closely evaluate prospects through scrimmages, measurements, shooting drills, athletic testing, and interviews. For players on the bubble, these events are often make-or-break opportunities to secure a two-way deal, a Summer League invitation, or to catch the eye of an overseas scout.

Thornton missing out on both events is highly consequential. It suggests that the consensus around the league is not only that he’s not among the top 60 or so draftable players—but that he didn’t crack the top 100 to even be considered a G League invite.

There’s no question that Bruce Thornton is a strong college point guard. He plays with toughness, has a sturdy 6-foot-2 frame, and boasts a high basketball IQ. He rarely turns the ball over and is capable of knocking down shots in rhythm. But what works in the Big Ten doesn’t always translate to the NBA.

One major concern among evaluators is Thornton’s athletic profile. He is quick, but not explosive. He’s strong, but lacks elite burst or verticality. In an NBA increasingly dominated by dynamic guards who can create separation with a first step or lift over defenders at the rim, Thornton’s game doesn’t pop off the screen. He’s a steadying presence rather than a game-changer.

Additionally, his 3-point shot—though improved—has not yet reached consistent, NBA-level efficiency. Thornton shot just 32.2% from deep in his sophomore year, and many of those makes came off catch-and-shoot looks rather than off-the-dribble creation. Without a more threatening perimeter game, scouts question how he can generate offense against professional defenses.

Thornton’s snub is also a function of a deeply competitive 2024 draft class. Though the top-end talent may lack generational stars, the class is deep with high-upside wings, experienced bigs, and international players commanding attention. Guards like Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard, Isaiah Collier, and Tyler Kolek have all received combine invites and present different skill sets that offer more intrigue to NBA evaluators.

In that context, Thornton becomes a victim of the numbers game. He’s not viewed as a surefire second-rounder, nor does he have the perceived upside or standout traits to leapfrog peers in pre-draft rankings. And without the visibility that the Combine or G League camp provides, it’s difficult for him to change that narrative before draft night.

For Thornton, the combine snub doesn’t mean the end of his professional dreams—it just complicates them.

He could still work out privately for teams and hope to impress in individual settings. If he interviews well, showcases improvement in his shot mechanics, or demonstrates defensive grit and leadership in front of GMs, he might carve out a Summer League spot. There’s also the two-way contract route, where NBA teams are more willing to gamble on developmental guards with college experience.

But perhaps the most logical path is a return to college.

With the new coaching staff under Jake Diebler showing promise and returning pieces likely to bolster the Buckeyes, Thornton has the opportunity to lead a more successful team next season. If he can improve his shooting splits, expand his assist totals, and drive Ohio State to a deep NCAA Tournament run, his stock could rebound significantly.

Another year in college also allows Thornton to showcase more advanced playmaking, improve his defensive versatility, and make a clear case as a reliable lead guard at the next level.

The extra year of development, combined with NIL earnings that may ease the pressure to turn pro immediately, makes staying in school a viable—and arguably smarter—option.

One wildcard is whether Thornton explores the transfer portal. Though he hasn’t publicly hinted at any dissatisfaction, the modern college basketball landscape has changed dramatically. Players have more freedom—and financial incentive—than ever to test their value elsewhere.

Should Thornton consider a fresh start at a high-profile program—say, a perennial Final Four contender with a wide-open point guard spot—his exposure could skyrocket. A big season under a nationally televised spotlight could do more for his draft stock than a quiet year in Columbus.

Still, Thornton has expressed loyalty to the Buckeyes. He’s been a captain, a leader, and a cornerstone of the program’s culture. Unless he hears otherwise from NBA decision-makers in private workouts, a return to Ohio State seems more likely than a portal detour.

Thornton’s story now has the makings of a redemptive arc. Not being invited to the Combine or G League camp may sting—but it could also fuel his motivation heading into next season. Many players before him have turned draft snubs into productive careers through sheer persistence and offseason transformation.

For example, Jalen Brunson stayed three years at Villanova, never earned early Combine hype, and now he’s an NBA All-Star. Fred VanVleet went undrafted and built his way into a $100 million career. While Thornton may not follow those exact blueprints, the principle stands: evaluation windows can be temporary, and one offseason can change everything.

What Thornton has going for him is his intangibles. Teammates praise his work ethic, coaches trust him, and fans have embraced his tenacity. Those traits—combined with a more complete statistical season—could help shift perceptions next spring.

Bruce Thornton’s exclusion from both the NBA Combine and the G League Elite Camp underscores the brutal reality of today’s draft ecosystem: even talented college starters with multiple years of production can be passed over if they lack elite tools or star upside.

It’s a sobering moment for the Ohio State guard, but not a final one. Whether Thornton returns to school, explores transfer options, or fights his way through private workouts and Summer League reps, the road to the NBA is still open—it’s just more uphill now.

And for a player who’s been grinding since day one, that might be exactly the kind of challenge he’s ready to face.