Viktor Lakhin Finds New Life at Clemson, Powers Tigers Past Duke and UNC

A little over a year ago, Viktor Lakhin’s college basketball career had reached a crossroads. Once a reliable post presence for Cincinnati, his role diminished in the grind of the Big 12. Boos from the home crowd stung and his confidence wavered. But on Saturday night, in front of a sold-out Littlejohn Coliseum crowd, the 6-foot-11, 240-pound redshirt senior put on a performance that left No. 2 Duke scrambling for answers.

His 22-point, four-rebound, three-block effort helped propel Clemson to a thrilling 77-71 victory over the Blue Devils.

Afterward, Lakhin took a moment to soak it all in.

“Amazing,” he said of the electric atmosphere. “It's [the] last year, [I'm] trying to get the most out of it. So really having fun out there. I love basketball. I love being in Clemson. I love [the] fan base. I love people who are supporting us."

The Anapa, Russia native sat out his first collegiate season due to injury before gradually earning his way into the Bearcats' starting lineup by 2022-23. He was a full-time starter, averaging 11.6 points and 7.1 rebounds. But in his final season, his production waned as injuries and inconsistency crept in.

Now, in Clemson Orange, he is rediscovering his best basketball but It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Lakhin in his first season in the ACC.  

Not long ago, just on Feb, 4, Clemson head coach Brad Brownell was frustrated with Lakhin for fouling out in 16 minutes in the grueling 86-89 triple-overtime loss to Georgia Tech. It was his second early exit with the previous being 15 minutes in the 88-91 overtime road loss at South Carolina on Dec. 17, 2024. 

After the Georgia Tech game, Brownell pulled his big man aside for a heart-to-heart.

"He kind of realized in those moments I put too much pressure on myself," Lakhin admitted. "It really eats me, like I'm really disappointed. It hurts that I let the team down. So, he talked to me one on one, and said, it's a big game here. Just emphasizing the next game, move on. We need you. Just don't let it happen again."

"Today, I reiterated with him that when his emotions are intact and he's composed and thinking clearly, he's a very good player," Brownell said in his post-game remarks," He cares. He wants to do well. But emotionally he's wound up, and sometimes it causes him to lose his composure when bad things happen."

Against Duke, Lakhin stayed out of major foul trouble despite picking up three whistles. But two nights later, against North Carolina, not only did he keep his composure—committing just one foul—but he torched the Tar Heels with his versatility, pouring in 22 points (20 in the first half), six rebounds, and five blocks in the 85-65 victory. 

His biggest weapon? His three-point stroke.

Lakhin buried a season-high four triples in the first half. Last season, he attempted a career-high 54 threes, hitting just 25 percent. This year, through 24 games, he’s connecting on 41 percent of his 46 attempts.

Brownell acknowledges the improvement but remains cautiously optimistic.

"We're not anti-three for Victor, obviously," Coach said when told Lakhin wants to shoot more threes. "But we want it to be within reason." 

Lakhin, fully aware of his coach’s reservations, had a playful response.

"He doesn't love when I shoot it. But yeah, he gotta change his mind, probably after today," quipped the aspiring comedian. 

After back-to-back dominant games against the Tobacco road rivals, Lakhin is playing with confidence and delivering when Clemson needs him most. He has connected on 18 of his last 28 shot attempts, and his season numbers—11.1 points, 6 rebounds, and career-highs in blocks (1.8), and free-throw percentage (70%)—are evidence of his growth.

"I think I'm playing really good basketball," Lakhin said. "Probably the best basketball of my whole college career. And part of what makes it so good, we're winning. So, we're winning and it feels just twice better."