Tikhonenko Signs with A-State Men’s Basketball

Arkansas State head coach Grant McCasland announced the signing of the highly-touted Russia native Mark Tikhonenko to a National Letter of Intent as he will begin play for the Red Wolves in 2017-18 season.

“We’re really excited to have Mark join our team,” said McCasland. “It’s rare that you get a guy of his size and skill set. He can really shoot the basketball, has a tremendous feel for the game and he comes from a great pedigree. As good of a player as we think he can be, he is an even better person. Mark loves Arkansas State University and really wanted to be a part of our program.”

Tikhonenko, a 6-10 forward who recently transferred to Mt. Zion Prep, played at Scotland Performance Institute last season helping the team to a 19-11 record. He averaged 16 points and six rebounds before missing several games due to injuries. The Moscow, Russia native has played for the U-16 team and practiced with the U-18 team. His father, Valeri, won a gold medal with the USSR team in the 1988 Olympics and three silver medals at the world championships. Valeri was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks. His mother, Victoria, played for the U-20 Kazakhstan team.

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