One of the bigger mystery men that has garnered a bevy of high-major interest of late, Mark Tikhonenko decided enough was enough as he gave his commitment to the Arkansas State men’s basketball program. A 6-foot-10 power forward that calls the country of Russia his home, Tikhonenko becomes one of the biggest coups from the mid-major ranks for the early signing period this fall.

Finishing out his prep career at Hamilton Heights Christian in Tennessee this year, Tikhonenko had received a bevy of calls and interest from such programs as Missouri, Vanderbilt, and Pitt, along with an offer from Iowa State. However, it was the fit and the comfortability factor in Jonesboro that was too difficult to say no to at the end of the day. “They’re really good people, have a hell of a coaching staff, nice facilities, and probably the most important thing is that they want me; they showed me a lot of love,” the 6-foot-10 big man stated.

While showing that Tikhonenko can remain on the floor for prolonged periods is a need where he suffered through various injuries last year, the upside is evidently clear with the Russian big man. With great hands and touch around the basket, where the Hamilton Heights product works best is facing the basket and in hitting the outside jumper from off of pick and pop and as the trail man within the early offense.

Capable of scoring inside and out, Mark Tikhonenko spoke further on what he will bring to the Sun Belt program. “What I do best is shoot, drive to the basket off of the shot fake, I can post up smaller defenders, defend various spots on the floor, and can definitely pass the basketball,” the European senior noted.

The third commitment in the 2017 class for first year head coach Grant McCasland, Tikhonenko should work nicely alongside in-state lead guard Marquis Eaton and super tough and versatile wing Travis Ingram in creating a strong three-man class within the Sun Belt Conference.