Bruce Thornton, Devin Royal And John Mobley Jr. Spearheading “Winning Over Everything” Mantra As Returning Buckeye Stars For 2024-25 Season

The Ohio State Buckeyes basketball program has entered the 2024-25 season with a new mentality, a fresh identity, and a core of returning stars determined to reshape the narrative in Columbus. Leading that charge are Bruce Thornton, Devin Royal, and John Mobley Jr., three of the most exciting young players in the Big Ten, all embracing the program’s new mantra: “Winning Over Everything.”

For Ohio State fans, the last few seasons have been frustrating—marked by inconsistency, early tournament exits, and an undeniable sense that the Buckeyes were underperforming given the talent on their roster. But with the trio of Thornton, Royal, and Mobley Jr. staying put and taking on leadership roles, optimism is returning to Value City Arena. The message is clear: the Buckeyes are no longer focused on hype or individual accolades—the mission is winning, by any means necessary.

Bruce Thornton, entering his junior season, has emerged as the unquestioned heartbeat of the Buckeyes. The 6-foot-2 point guard has been everything Ohio State hoped for since arriving on campus. As a freshman, he showed flashes of brilliance, but it was last season when Thornton truly arrived as one of the conference’s elite guards. His combination of floor vision, defensive intensity, and fearless shot-making made him indispensable. More importantly, Thornton has bought fully into the “Winning Over Everything” culture shift.

Speaking to reporters during summer workouts, Thornton emphasized how personal this season feels.

“We’re tired of falling short,” Thornton said. “All of us came here to win championships, to compete at the highest level, and to represent Ohio State the right way. That means putting the team first, sacrificing stats, doing the dirty work—whatever it takes.”

For Thornton, that commitment goes beyond words. His offseason regimen has been relentless, focusing on refining his three-point shot, improving conditioning, and becoming an even more vocal leader in the locker room. Coaches have raved about his growth, noting how Thornton’s presence sets the tone for the younger players.

If Thornton is the engine, Devin Royal represents the Buckeyes’ future frontcourt cornerstone. After an up-and-down freshman campaign where glimpses of his immense potential were often overshadowed by inconsistency, Royal returns determined to make his sophomore season a statement year. Listed at 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds, Royal blends size, athleticism, and scoring ability in a way few forwards in the Big Ten can match.

The “Winning Over Everything” mantra has resonated with Royal, who understands the weight of expectation placed upon him as a former top-50 national recruit from Pickerington, Ohio.

“I came back because I believe in what we’re building,” Royal stated during the Buckeyes’ media day. “There’s so much noise in college basketball—the transfer portal, NIL deals, social media—but at the end of the day, none of that matters if you’re not winning games. That’s the mindset we all have now.”

Royal’s versatility will be crucial to Ohio State’s success. His ability to stretch the floor with perimeter shooting, attack the basket, and guard multiple positions gives the Buckeyes flexibility in their lineups. Coaches expect him to take on a bigger role offensively while serving as a defensive anchor alongside returning big men.

Then there’s John Mobley Jr., the dynamic sophomore guard whose fearless style of play captured the attention of Buckeye Nation in spurts last season. Mobley, known for his deep shooting range and explosive scoring ability, flashed the potential to be one of the conference’s breakout stars. Now, with a year of experience under his belt and the confidence of the coaching staff, Mobley is ready to help lead the charge.

“Last year taught me a lot,” Mobley admitted. “The speed of the game, the physicality—it’s different at this level. But we’ve all been grinding this summer. It’s about competing every day, making each other better, and holding ourselves to the highest standard.”

Mobley’s buy-in to the “Winning Over Everything” mantra is evident in how he’s approached his development. Known for his offensive prowess, Mobley has dedicated much of his offseason to improving defensively and becoming a more complete player. Coaches have been impressed by his maturity and willingness to accept constructive criticism—essential traits for a young player with star potential.

Together, Thornton, Royal, and Mobley Jr. form the foundation of a team aiming to reverse Ohio State’s recent fortunes. Their leadership, coupled with a strong supporting cast and an infusion of talented freshmen, has created an atmosphere of accountability and urgency in Columbus.

Interim head coach Jake Diebler, who took over the program amid last season’s struggles, has been instrumental in implementing the “Winning Over Everything” philosophy. Diebler’s no-nonsense approach and emphasis on team-first basketball have been embraced by the players, especially the returning trio of Thornton, Royal, and Mobley.

“This isn’t about one guy, one recruit, or one moment,” Diebler explained. “It’s about the collective. Bruce, Devin, John—they’ve set the tone by putting the team above themselves. That’s contagious.”

Diebler’s emphasis on defense, toughness, and unselfish play has been central to reshaping the program’s culture. Practices have been intense, with competition for playing time wide open. No position is guaranteed, and every player is expected to buy into the team’s mission.

For Ohio State fans, that shift couldn’t come at a better time. The Buckeyes’ recent seasons have been marred by underachievement and unmet expectations. Despite landing highly rated recruits and building talented rosters, the team has struggled to consistently compete with the Big Ten’s elite programs and has fallen short of making deep NCAA Tournament runs.

But Thornton, Royal, and Mobley believe those days are behind them.

“We’ve got the talent. We’ve got the pieces. Now, it’s about mentality,” Thornton asserted. “You have to show up every day ready to work, ready to sacrifice, ready to win. That’s all that matters.”

Royal echoed those sentiments, emphasizing how unity within the locker room is critical to achieving their goals.

“We hold each other accountable,” Royal said. “No egos, no selfishness—just a group of guys who want to win for Ohio State. We know the standard, and we’re committed to reaching it.”

The trio’s bond extends beyond the court. Off the floor, they’ve developed a close friendship built on shared experiences, competitive fire, and a mutual desire to restore Ohio State to national prominence. Whether it’s extra shooting sessions, film study, or simply supporting one another, their chemistry has strengthened the Buckeyes’ foundation.

As the season approaches, expectations are cautiously optimistic. The Big Ten remains one of college basketball’s deepest conferences, filled with powerhouse programs and elite talent. But Ohio State, anchored by Thornton’s leadership, Royal’s versatility, and Mobley’s explosiveness, believes they’re ready to contend.

The “Winning Over Everything” mantra has become more than a slogan—it’s a rallying cry, a promise to fans, and a reflection of the program’s renewed identity. With their young stars leading the charge, the Buckeyes are poised to rewrite their story, fueled by a singular focus on what truly matters: winning.