Ohio State freshman Amare Bynum is poised to make his first career start for the Buckeyes against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta on March 15, 2024. The decision to elevate Bynum to the starting lineup comes after his standout performance in the previous game, where he achieved a career-high of 17 points along with nine rebounds, three assists, one steal, and three blocks in a remarkable 38 minutes on the court.
Strategic Move for Ohio State
Ohio State’s head coach, Jake Diebler, has expressed confidence in Bynum’s ability to contribute significantly as a starter. “I think he’s definitely going to keep playing a lot,” Diebler stated. His comments highlight the importance of Bynum’s energy and physicality, which have made a noticeable impact on the team. The coach emphasized that while minutes are crucial, the focus is on improving the team’s performance in the first half, something that has been a challenge in recent games.
The Buckeyes have struggled with slow starts, scoring only 11 points in the first 11.5 minutes of their two-overtime victory over West Virginia. By inserting Bynum into the starting lineup, Ohio State aims to maximize effectiveness right from the beginning of the game. This strategic decision seeks to prevent over-rotation of players and to ensure that the most capable athletes are on the court at the start.
Impressive Rookie Stats
Throughout 10 games this season, Bynum has averaged 8.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and demonstrated accuracy with a shooting percentage of 54.1% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. His offensive rebounding rate of 9.2% and blocks rate of 3.1% lead the Buckeyes, underscoring his value to the team. For context, senior player Noel has also averaged similar points, but Bynum’s contributions in limited minutes show promise for his future with the team.
Diebler has been cautious not to overload Bynum with responsibilities as a freshman, but the coach acknowledges that the rookie has earned this opportunity. “It wasn’t necessarily saying ‘okay, we got to protect him or anything like that,'” Diebler noted. With Bynum’s work ethic and consistent performance, he has become an integral part of Ohio State’s strategy moving forward.
The increasing trust from the coaching staff is reflected in Bynum’s evolving role. His ability to impact games significantly has earned him a spot in the starting lineup. “I think he’s earned everything he’s gotten,” Diebler remarked, indicating that Bynum’s impact on the court has been undeniable.
As Ohio State prepares for a challenging matchup against North Carolina, they will rely on Bynum and his fellow players to deliver a strong performance. The Tar Heels, noted for having one of the largest frontcourts in college basketball, will pose a significant challenge. This game not only represents an important moment for Bynum but also serves as a critical juncture for the Buckeyes as they look to solidify their position in the season.
In what promises to be an exciting encounter, all eyes will be on Amare Bynum as he steps into the spotlight for his first career start, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal moment in his collegiate career.
