Ohio State's freshman forward, Amare Bynum, is the kind of player whose presence lights up the court. Standing tall at 6-foot-8 and weighing in at 240 pounds, Bynum is a force to be reckoned with, both in practice and during games. But what truly sets him apart is his infectious enthusiasm-whether he's nailing a three-pointer or getting some tough love from the coaches, Bynum is always smiling.
Teammate Bruce Thornton shared on the "Drive the Lane" Podcast how Bynum's positive attitude remains unshaken, even when the coaches are dishing out some constructive criticism. "That's just how he is," Thornton explained, noting Bynum's ability to keep things light while focusing on improving his game.
After Ohio State's decisive 89-63 victory over Grambling State, Bynum's ever-present grin was on full display during the post-game press conference. When asked if Bynum's jovial demeanor was just for show, John Mobley Jr. confirmed, "No, he’s literally always smiling. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen this guy get mad."
Head coach Jake Diebler has praised Bynum for the "infectious joy" he brings to the team, likening his development and leadership to Thornton's own freshman journey. This week, Bynum has the chance to achieve something Thornton didn't as a freshman-win an NCAA Tournament game. Ohio State secured an 8-seed and will face 9-seed TCU, with the winner moving on to potentially face top-seeded Duke.
Bynum's recent performances have been crucial to Ohio State's success. In March, the Buckeyes are 4-1, with Bynum averaging 12.4 points and six rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 60.5%. His standout moment came during the Senior Day victory over Indiana, where he dominated the first half, scoring 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including two three-pointers.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their first NCAA Tournament appearance in four years, Diebler emphasized the importance of Bynum staying true to himself. Despite being a freshman, Bynum has shown he's ready for the spotlight. "I expect him to keep doing what he’s doing," Diebler stated, highlighting Bynum's growth and the team's confidence in his abilities.
Even in a tough loss to Big Ten champion Michigan, Bynum's impact was felt. He contributed six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, proving his value beyond the scoreboard. Initially, the plan wasn't to lean heavily on Bynum, but his emergence has been a game-changer for Ohio State.
As they gear up for their biggest game in years, Diebler is confident in his squad. "That core group, including Bynum, Thornton, and Mobley, is ready," he said. The Buckeyes are poised for the challenge, with Bynum leading the charge with his unyielding smile and undeniable talent.