Cincinnati big man Viktor Lakhin has announced his departure from the University of Cincinnati via his Instagram.

From Lakhin: “Thank you people and the University of Cincinnati! Thank you for the opportunity! Thank you for bringing me to America! Thank you for helping me! Thank you for supporting me! Thank you for everything! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I’ll always be a bearcat! I’m proud to be one! I’ll give back to the University of Cincinnati! My time in America will always be associated with the University of Cincinnati and the Queen City!”

This past season was Lakhin’s fourth with the Bearcats and his third under current head coach Wes Miller. The Russia native committed to Cincinnati under former head coach John Brannen, but decided to stay after his freshman season despite not playing due to injury.

Through three seasons Lakhin averaged 8.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. His best season was his junior year when the 6’11” forward averaged 11.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He was expected to be a key contributor for the Bearcats’ first season in the Big 12 and to start the season he was. He scored in double figures in nine of Cincinnati’s first 13 games, even showing off his abilities to convert from beyond the arc when previously he had produced close to the basket.

However, Lakhin’s production started to slide as the Big 12 schedule carried on. Lakhin only scored in double figures in four of the Bearcats’ Big 12 games he appeared in. Near the end of the season, it was a rarity to see him on the court and fellow big man Ody Oguama actually jumped him in the rotation. When his struggles hit a peak, Cincinnati fans showed thier frustrations, booing Lakhin when he checked in and celebrating when he checked out of games.

Sources confirmed to Bearcat Journal that Lakhin’s name is expected to be entered into the transfer portal tomorrow morning. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Lakhin made an attempt to play overseas.