Viktor Lakhin is a Force for the Clemson Tigers

Viktor Lakhin, Jaeden Zackery, and Chase Hunter are pumped during Clemson's 77-71 win over Duke on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Littlejohn Coliseum, in Clemson, SC. Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media

Viktor Lakhin has been a standout performer for the Clemson Tigers in their last two games, playing a crucial role in the team's dominant victories. Over the past couple of outings, he scored 22 points in each contest, leading Clemson to impressive wins over Duke and North Carolina. On Saturday night, Lakhin helped the Tigers defeat the then second-ranked Duke Blue Devils, 77-71, ending the Blue Devils' 16-game winning streak. Last night, he continued his stellar play, contributing 22 points, six rebounds, and five blocks in an 85-65 blowout win over North Carolina. Lakhin's consistent scoring and defensive presence have been key factors in Clemson's success. The 6-foot-11 center from Anapa, Russia, has battled this season, averaging 11.1 points per game, but over the last two, Lakhin has surged, scoring 22 in each game. Last night, Viktor dominated the first half over North Carolina, dropping 20 in the first half alone with a hot performance from beyond the arc, shooting 4-5. Offense isn't all Lakhin shined in; he combined for eight total blocks versus Duke and UNC, five of those coming last night. Viktor Lakhin has looked like the total package.

This season, Lakhin's growth as a three-point shooter has been remarkable. At 6-foot-11, he has the physical attributes to excel in the paint, but he has broadened his skills to incorporate a facet that few centers in the ACC can rival: shooting range. Renowned for his dominant presence in the post, Lakhin has turned into a versatile asset for the Clemson Tigers, frequently utilizing his three-point shooting ability to make defenses uncertain. One of the most fascinating elements of Lakhin’s three-point shooting is how it enhances his classic big-man style of play. He manages to seamlessly integrate these two facets of his game. If defenses focus too much on guarding him outside, he effortlessly shifts to dominating in the post. Conversely, when defenders give him space, Lakhin has proven he can effectively hit long-range shots. Lakhin has only taken 46 three-pointers this season, but his average of 41.3 percent shows that he is more than capable of taking those shots. His versatility poses a significant challenge for defenders and offers Clemson a huge asset that will cause opponents to rethink their defensive approaches.

Lakhin’s skill set is a nightmare for opponents, also in the paint. His size, combined with his agile footwork and refined post moves, makes him a constant force both offensively and defensively. Whether it’s crashing the boards, blocking shots, or finishing strong in the paint, Lakhin seems to be everywhere. His imposing figure creates matchup problems for opposing defenses, who struggle to contain his versatile inside game. Defensively, Lakhin’s presence is equally dominant. His shot-blocking ability has been a key factor in Clemson’s defensive success, as he's totaled 46 blocks this season. That ties him at 25th in the country with Penn State's Yanic Konan Niederhauser. His timing is impeccable, and he doesn’t hesitate to challenge opponents at the rim. Lakhin doesn’t just rely on his physical attributes; he has the baskebtall IQ to know when to help, when to contest shots, and when to step up to challenge an opposing big man.

The Clemson Tigers have frequently been seen as a team in the ACC that is capable of winning it, but with Lakhin's ability to take over games, they have solidified themselves as a serious contender. His impact is immense, and his performances have been a key factor in the team's recent wins. For Clemson to advance far in March Madness, Lakhin will unquestionably play a crucial role in their success.