New Faces of Arkansas MBB: Chris Lykes

Chris Lykes

Class: Senior

Height/Weight: 5-7, 160

Previous School: Miami

Stats from 2019-20 season (Injury for vast majority of the 20-21 season)

MPG: 30.1

PPG: 15.4

APG: 2.4

SPG: 1.1

3PFG%: 38%

FT%: 81%

-In his last full season he only failed to finish with double digit points in 5 games

-Before his injury last year, he recorded his highest offensive rating (149) in a game vs Stetson. For reference, the only players who had a higher rating last year in a game was: Moody (3), Justin Smith (2) and Tate (1)

-15th in the ACC in 3 point percentage but only 4 of the players above him had more attempts

-6th in the ACC in FT%


Chris shakes off the slow defender, attacks the basket and finds his big for the easy finish





Chris drives towards the top of the key, pulls a help defender to him and gives his shooter more space for the shot




Chris jumps the passing lane and even with a stumble, you still are not catching him




Chris making every defender look silly out there by going coast to coast on them



After the switch because of a pick. The big is forced to play off Chris because of his ability to attack the basket. Chris punishes him with his slacking defense.




Bottom Line: You can't make it a big time conference like the ACC at Chris' size unless you are very skilled. He is a high usage point guard that isn't afraid to shoot first or drive. Not a great defender but his quickness allows him to steal from lazy ball handlers/passers.He often pulls help defenders towards him because of his quickness. His size allows him to win leverage battles when driving. Chris is a pick and roll nightmare with his ability to hit the outside shot if the defender goes under the pick or the defender is forced to trail him by going over. Switching with your big can be even scarier for the opposing team. I believe Chris will have to become more of a passing point in our offense and the weapons around him. I don't think he will have issues adjusting because he has shown he can do it when needed.