For the first time since 2022, Ohio State men's basketball will hit the court without Bruce Thornton running the show. The standout point guard, who started 136 games over four seasons and left as the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,164 points, has moved on. Now, the Buckeyes face a new challenge: building on last season's success without their floor general.

This transition isn't just about replacing one player—it's about redefining the team's entire identity. Last week, our analysts Connor and Justin debated which incoming transfer would make the biggest impact for the 2026-27 season. Connor backed Justin Pippen, who looks like the frontrunner for the starting point guard role thanks to his sticky on-ball defense. Justin, meanwhile, chose Jimmie Williams, citing his offensive efficiency and the potential for him to deliver more off the bench than Ohio State's entire reserve unit managed last year.

The Buckeyes' offense will inevitably look different without Thornton as the captain and catalyst. But don't expect a single player to fill his shoes—instead, look for several guys to step up in meaningful ways. This could be a season where Ohio State spreads the wealth, with multiple contributors taking substantial leaps forward.

One area that might see a surprising shift is pace. For years, Ohio State's head coaches—whether Chris Holtmann or Jake Diebler—have talked about wanting to play faster. Yet in five of the last six seasons, the Buckeyes finished 200th or worse in tempo. The lone exception came two seasons ago, when they barely cracked the top 200 with 67.3 possessions per 40 minutes.

Here's the twist: Ohio State might actually speed up without Thornton. He was a phenomenal leader, an efficient scorer, and a menace around the basket, but fast? Not exactly. Without him, the Buckeyes could finally find the gear they've been searching for.