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Many Hurricanes fans were already going to miss seeing his prowess on the hardwood every game, but now the script has changed on where he will land next this coming winter.
Miami senior guard Chris Lykes has decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal after initially deciding to turn professional, according to a social media post he shared on Saturday night.
Having competed in only two games this season due to an ankle sprain suffered in early December, Lykes paced the Hurricanes in scoring as a sophomore and a junior. The 5-foot-7, 160-pound guard averaged no fewer than 15.4 points per game in either season.
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“I want to start off by saying how grateful I am of the University of Miami for allowing me to chase my dreams,” Lykes stated on Instagram. “It was a tough year for me mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually … After talking with my family and a few trustworthy people, the best decision for me is to r eturn to college for another year and prove myself again. With that being said I will be entering the transfer portal hoping for a fresh start.”
Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga had announced Lykes’ initial decision on Thursday, though the reason for why that changed two days later remains unknown.
The Canes advanced to the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament for the first time since 2018, despite a 10-17 overall record and 4-15 finish in the conference.
An offseason filled with question marks awaits the team, with multiple student-athletes having now entered the portal.