UPDATE: Ohio State freshman Amare Bynum is set to make his highly anticipated first career start against North Carolina today in the CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta. This moment comes just 11 games into Bynum’s college career, and fans are eager to see how he will impact this crucial matchup.
Bynum’s promotion to the starting lineup follows his standout performance in the last game, where he recorded a career-high 17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks in an impressive 38 minutes of play. His coach, Jake Diebler, has praised Bynum’s energy and physicality, noting that he brings significant impact to the team.
“He’s definitely going to keep playing a lot,” Diebler commented, emphasizing that while starting positions are important, it’s the minutes that truly matter. The Buckeyes have struggled with slow starts in recent games, and inserting Bynum into the starting lineup aims to address that issue head-on.
Ohio State’s offense has faltered early on in three of their last four games, which includes a critical moment in their double-overtime win against West Virginia, where they managed only 11 points in the first 11.5 minutes. By starting Bynum, the coaching staff hopes to field their top five players right from the tip-off, thus avoiding the need for extensive rotations that can disrupt rhythm.
Through ten games this season, Bynum has been averaging 8.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 54.1% from the field. His contributions in offensive rebounding and blocks set him apart, as he leads the Buckeyes in both categories with a 9.2% offensive rebounding rate and a 3.1% blocks rate.
Diebler has expressed confidence in Bynum’s abilities, stating, “He’s earned everything he’s gotten.” This trust has allowed Bynum to expand his role on the team significantly. With a new-look starting frontcourt, Ohio State faces a formidable challenge against North Carolina, who is known for their size, fielding two 6-10 forwards and a 7-0 center.
The stakes are incredibly high as both teams are looking to solidify their standing in the season. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as Bynum steps onto the court for his debut start. Stay tuned for live updates as the game unfolds this afternoon.
