Value of joy instilled in Ohio State basketball's Amare Bynum from a young age

Amare Bynum, a towering presence at 6-foot-8 and 245 pounds, found his love for basketball instilled in him from a young age by his parents, Breonna Kellogg and Omar Bynum. Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Bynum was naturally cheerful and always found something to smile about, even in challenging situations. Kellogg and Bynum recognized this innate positivity in their son and worked to balance it with a little humility to ensure he didn't become too big for his own good.

This combination of confidence and humility has served Bynum well, as he has quickly assimilated to various situations and people, both on and off the court. His infectious positivity has been a boon for his teammates, such as Donovan, who was initially unsure about joining Ohio State's basketball team in Puerto Rico. Bynum's joy is palpable, and he carries it with him wherever he goes, whether he's shooting hoops or posing for photos.

While his love for basketball is his primary passion, even that can sometimes test his joy, as he struggled when his team didn't make it to the state championship. Nonetheless, Bynum's ability to transition between a jovial demeanor and a focused competitor is a testament to the strong foundation his parents helped him build.