Arkansas Basketball lands a quality transfer point guard in Chris Lykes

On Wednesday afternoon, it was announced that senior guard Chris Lykes was transferring to Arkansas Basketball. The 5’7 phenom was sidelined for most of last season due to a severe ankle injury. With a fresh opportunity in front of him, Lykes will look to contribute to keeping the Razorbacks a winning program, along with helping them reach the NCAA Tournament once again.

Lykes played four college seasons for the Miami Hurricanes. During his time under Jim Larranaga, Lykes grew tremendously as an offensive initiator who can create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Because of his small stature, Lykes makes it known that he is always in attack mode and wants to make the game difficult for his opponents. Throughout his years at Miami, Lykes became the focal point of the team by competing on a nightly basis.

Lykes displayed a solid junior campaign for Miami. He averaged 15.4 points per game on 43% shooting from the floor. Lykes would put forth numerous scoring performances, but unfortunately, it was once again not enough to help Miami become a threat in the ACC. Losing seasons for the Hurricanes was part of the reason why Lykes decided to transfer.

The Razorbacks are fresh off of a run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. The program was one of the top five in the SEC and dominated on both sides of the floor. With a few of their key players entering the NBA Draft this season, the situation allows Lykes to come in and build an identity with this program. Head Coach Eric Musselman will look to utilize Lykes as a top option for the team. Allowing him to lead on the floor is what will help continue Arkansas’ winning ways.

Likes will impact the Razorbacks in ways that the program will like him to. His pesty, competitive spirit will set the tone anytime he’s on the floor. The leadership and development that Lykes discovered in Miami are what Arkansas expects out of him. Regardless of his ability to score, but to set the tone by making winning plays is what will make him a team favorite in the locker room.

The new journey for Chris Lykes will allow him to experience what it feels like to be a part of a winning culture. He seems to express his optimism as far as what to expect out of him on his new team. With Lykes being sidelined throughout the 2021 season, he will be more than ready to compete with his new teammates.