TicketsCincinnati Athletics features more than 400 student-athletes who are doing incredible things on and off the field. Some will go pro in sports. Some will go on to do great things in business, medicine or other professional fields. All will be Bearcats for Life. These are their stories.
Cincinnati redshirt-sophomore Viktor Lakhin appeared in 29 games last season, while battling injury, averaging 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game on 53.8 percent shooting. He was also the most-improved Bearcat on the bench press with 10 added reps, and this year he has reduced his body-fat percentage by 3.5 percent. His 13-point, 11-rebound performance against Bryant helped him become UC's first AAC Freshman of the Week since Jarron Cumberland in 2016-17.
Lakhin, with two years of American life under his belt, looks to continue his contributions to the Bearcats this season, beginning with Monday's season-opener against Chaminade (7 p.m.).
How did you end up at the University of Cincinnati from Russia?
"I played for our National Team in a European Championship, this is where foreigners have opportunity to show their skills to NBA scouts and college coaches. I got in contact with the coaches who were very adamant of me coming UC. At the time I could not speak English that well yet, so the conversation over the phone was a bit awkward but they were still interested in me and saw my potential."
What was the hardest transition from academics and basketball in Russia to here in the states?
"English was the hardest transition for me, my first year here I had five classes and one of them was English which is normal for college freshmen. But I had to use the little amount of English I knew and apply it to my other classes material which was a struggle. While for basketball I did not play my first year here because I had a torn meniscus in my left knee, so my first year of playing was last year. So, the game here in the states is quicker, athletic at the rim, and simpler I would say. In Russia there are more plays and thinking games while in the states it is more athletic and one on one skill."
Did the team aspect help a lot transitioning?
"Honestly no because I personally was close minded my first year at UC, just coming from Russia and being so far from home. Then last year I was more outgoing and talkative, Mason Madsen was one person that helped me come out of my shell and we are still in contact today. Mika Adams-Woods helped me a lot as well just feel comfortable here and be myself."
What was it like coming back after injury on the court?
"It was hard because I was coming back from injury during COVID year, I did not play for almost two straight years. So, I did not have a feel for the game that I used to have while I was getting stronger in the weight room, but it was not the same on the court. I was trying to figure out how to move again on the court, which was hard.
What do you expect for this season?
"I believe we are going to do well this season; we have all the pieces and talent and if we are dedicated to our work, we can make something special happen. I think we will go far if us as individuals are able to sacrifice our roles and take the necessary steps. We have a lot of talent on our team, and it was shown last year through some of our games but we just lacked discipline and focus towards the end."
What would be your favorite part about being a member of the UC men's basketball team?
"I would have to say Chez's (Landers Nolley II) knowledge, he is always pushing me to do better when I am being sloppy, as well as Shoey (Mika Adams-Woods), who is my roommate."
How is Wes Miller as a leader?
"He is a great leader for us, and he cares about us not only on the court but outside of basketball as well. The team has a lot of trust in him as a coach and can make sacrifices and put in all those hours because he knows what it takes to win. Coach Miller has no politics or favorites and will allow his players to be the best they can in his own structure. Obviously, the first thing a coach cares about is winning, but if you can work in his structure then he will lead you to be the best version you can be."
Cincinnati redshirt-sophomore Viktor Lakhin appeared in 29 games last season, while battling injury, averaging 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game on 53.8 percent shooting. He was also the most-improved Bearcat on the bench press with 10 added reps, and this year he has reduced his body-fat percentage by 3.5 percent. His 13-point, 11-rebound performance against Bryant helped him become UC's first AAC Freshman of the Week since Jarron Cumberland in 2016-17.
Lakhin, with two years of American life under his belt, looks to continue his contributions to the Bearcats this season, beginning with Monday's season-opener against Chaminade (7 p.m.).
How did you end up at the University of Cincinnati from Russia?
"I played for our National Team in a European Championship, this is where foreigners have opportunity to show their skills to NBA scouts and college coaches. I got in contact with the coaches who were very adamant of me coming UC. At the time I could not speak English that well yet, so the conversation over the phone was a bit awkward but they were still interested in me and saw my potential."
What was the hardest transition from academics and basketball in Russia to here in the states?
"English was the hardest transition for me, my first year here I had five classes and one of them was English which is normal for college freshmen. But I had to use the little amount of English I knew and apply it to my other classes material which was a struggle. While for basketball I did not play my first year here because I had a torn meniscus in my left knee, so my first year of playing was last year. So, the game here in the states is quicker, athletic at the rim, and simpler I would say. In Russia there are more plays and thinking games while in the states it is more athletic and one on one skill."
Did the team aspect help a lot transitioning?
"Honestly no because I personally was close minded my first year at UC, just coming from Russia and being so far from home. Then last year I was more outgoing and talkative, Mason Madsen was one person that helped me come out of my shell and we are still in contact today. Mika Adams-Woods helped me a lot as well just feel comfortable here and be myself."
What was it like coming back after injury on the court?
"It was hard because I was coming back from injury during COVID year, I did not play for almost two straight years. So, I did not have a feel for the game that I used to have while I was getting stronger in the weight room, but it was not the same on the court. I was trying to figure out how to move again on the court, which was hard.
What do you expect for this season?
"I believe we are going to do well this season; we have all the pieces and talent and if we are dedicated to our work, we can make something special happen. I think we will go far if us as individuals are able to sacrifice our roles and take the necessary steps. We have a lot of talent on our team, and it was shown last year through some of our games but we just lacked discipline and focus towards the end."
What would be your favorite part about being a member of the UC men's basketball team?
"I would have to say Chez's (Landers Nolley II) knowledge, he is always pushing me to do better when I am being sloppy, as well as Shoey (Mika Adams-Woods), who is my roommate."
How is Wes Miller as a leader?
"He is a great leader for us, and he cares about us not only on the court but outside of basketball as well. The team has a lot of trust in him as a coach and can make sacrifices and put in all those hours because he knows what it takes to win. Coach Miller has no politics or favorites and will allow his players to be the best they can in his own structure. Obviously, the first thing a coach cares about is winning, but if you can work in his structure then he will lead you to be the best version you can be."