Amare Bynum’s Breakout Stretch Has Buckeyes Re-Evaluating Frontcourt Rotation
Ohio State might be witnessing the rise of its next big contributor - literally and figuratively. Freshman forward Amare Bynum is starting to look like more than just a promising recruit. He’s looking like a player who’s ready to take on a major role right now.
At 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds, Bynum has the physical tools to compete in the Big Ten. But it’s not just about size - it’s about impact.
And lately, Bynum’s been making his presence felt in a big way. His performance in Ohio State’s double-overtime thriller against West Virginia was his most complete showing yet: 38 minutes, a career-high 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
He shot 7-of-11 from the field and knocked down all three of his free throws. That’s not just production - that’s poise under pressure.
What’s even more impressive is how quickly he’s grown into this role. That West Virginia game marked only the second time Bynum had played more than 30 minutes.
The first came against Pittsburgh, where he logged 31 minutes and added seven points and five boards. He notched his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds against Western Michigan and chipped in 11 points in a conference win at Northwestern.
Through it all, Bynum’s numbers are trending in the right direction. On the season, he’s averaging 8.4 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting a strong 54% from the floor. That kind of efficiency, especially from a freshman still adjusting to the college game, is something coaches don’t overlook.
And neither should fans.
Bynum came to Columbus with high expectations - ranked the No. 44 overall prospect and the No. 9 power forward in the 2025 class out of Link Academy in Missouri. He’s been backing up Wright State transfer Brandon Noel, who’s had his own standout moments, including a 29-point outburst at Northwestern.
But inconsistency has crept into Noel’s game. Against West Virginia, he managed just four points and one rebound in 16 minutes.
That contrast has sparked questions about whether Bynum is ready to take over the starting job. Head coach Jake Diebler isn’t tipping his hand just yet, but he’s clearly impressed with what he’s seeing from the freshman.
“He’s definitely going to keep playing a lot, right?” Diebler said when asked about Bynum’s role moving forward. “Minutes do matter more than being a starter.”
Diebler emphasized that the staff is digging into lineup analytics and practice performance to figure out the best combinations - especially with an eye on improving first-half play. But one thing is clear: Bynum’s motor, physicality, and energy are giving Ohio State a jolt.
“There’s no denying his energy, his physicality, the motor he’s playing with is really impactful,” Diebler said. “No denying it.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come easy - especially for a freshman. But Bynum has earned it.
His playing time has steadily increased throughout the season, and it’s not because the Buckeyes are trying to ease him along. It’s because they can’t afford to keep him off the floor.
“There have been games where you just feel his activity and he impacts winning to where you can’t take him off the floor unless he gets tired,” Diebler said. “And whether you’re a freshman or senior in the level of games we’ve been playing, all you’re thinking about in that stretch is winning - and he’s been really impactful for us.”
It’s not just about numbers. It’s about consistency, maturity, and the ability to rise to the moment. That’s what Bynum is starting to show.
“He approaches a game with such maturity and great work ethic and joy,” Diebler added. “He’s not going to be perfect the rest of the year. But if he keeps focusing on impact and winning and just keeps working hard, I believe he’s going to continue to play better and better.”
Ohio State faces a major test next against No. 12 North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic.
Whether Bynum starts or not, expect him to be a major part of the game plan. He’s earned the trust of the coaching staff - and perhaps more importantly, he’s earned the right to play through the ups and downs that come with being a freshman in a high-stakes environment.
“Sometimes staying the course right now means he’s going to play a ton of minutes,” Diebler said. “And hey, if it’s a game where maybe he’s struggling a little bit more, maybe he’s not playing as many minutes.
But in my eyes, he has earned the right to play through those types of games, too - and to be able to play through some of that and figure it out. Because I trust him.”
That trust is growing. So is Bynum’s role. And if his recent stretch is any indication, the Buckeyes might have something special developing in their frontcourt.