How Amare Bynum’s ascent could help unlock Ohio State’s ceiling

Ohio State freshman Amare Bynum is beginning to emerge right when the Buckeyes need him most. After posting a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double against Western Michigan and following it with eight points in the blowout win over Mount St. Mary’s, Bynum is carving out real momentum in the rotation.

His efficiency and activity in limited minutes are early signs that he’s ready for more responsibility as the season builds.

The bench scoring problem

Ohio State has opened the season strong, but the Achilles’ heel of this roster is clear in my opinion, the Buckeyes lack reliable bench production. The starters have shouldered nearly all of the scoring load, and outside of occasional spurts, the second unit has struggled to create offense or keep the momentum going.

That’s why Bynum’s emergence matters so much, he provides something this roster truly lacks. Energy, interior scoring, rebounding, and physicality off the bench.

As defenses scout the Buckeyes more heavily through Big Ten play, additional scoring threats will be critical. Bynum already looks like a player who can fill that void.

Why Bynum’s upside matters

Bynum wasn’t just another random recruit. He was a four-star prospect from Link Academy with real pro upside thanks to his size, athleticism, and improving offensive skill set. The flashes he’s showing now mirror what evaluators liked coming out of high school:

• Strong finishing at the rim

• High motor on the glass

• Ability to step out or face up

• Physicality that translates immediately

If Ohio State continues to give him minutes, his development curve suggests he could be one of the most impactful freshmen in the Big Ten this season, and potentially one of the most important long-term pieces on the roster.

Sixth man potential, or more

If Bynum keeps trending upward, he has a very real chance to become one of the Big Ten’s best sixth man by season’s end. His scoring, rebounding, and two-way presence could help stabilize the bench unit and elevate the team’s overall ceiling.

And if his growth accelerates even further? I think he has a legitimate chance to push his way into the starting lineup near season’s end.

For a team with postseason expectations, that kind of internal improvement is invaluable.

The bottom line

Ohio State’s biggest question this season is whether its bench can support a deep run. Bynum’s recent performances suggest the answer might be yes if he can continue this ascent. His blend of size, feel, and developing offensive skill gives the Buckeyes a much-needed spark, and if he can become a consistent double-digit threat, Ohio State instantly becomes deeper, more dynamic, and much more dangerous.

Bynum doesn’t just fill a gap on the roster, he raises the ceiling of the entire team and program.