Chris Lykes, a rising basketball star, found inspiration in a blend of family and sporting icons during his formative years. While his parents and grandparents served as enduring role models, it was the basketball prowess of Allen Iverson and LeBron James that ignited his passion for the game. Dreaming to emulate their skills and finesse on the court, Chris’s aspirations were deeply rooted in the basketball legacy carved by these legendary figures. Beyond his sporting ambitions, Chris’s journey embodies resilience and determination, navigating challenges unique to his stature in a sport dominated by taller athletes. Yet, he embraces his height as an opportunity for competition, constantly proving that it’s not a limitation but a source of strength. Through social media and self-learning, Chris became his own physical trainer, overcoming injuries and honing his skills to excel in the competitive world of basketball. His story is a testament to perseverance and self-improvement, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the court. Here is our exclusive interview with him:
HFR: Who were your role models or inspirational figures while you were growing up?
Chris Lykes: My parents and grandparents have always been my role models, but when it comes to what I wanted to pursue in my life…Allen Iverson and Lebron were the people I wanted be play like.
HFR: If you could have a workout session with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Chris Lykes: Kyrie [Irving], hands down. I’m a visual learner so I could pick up so many details in that workout with him. Maybe one day that could happen.
HFR: What is your go-to pump-up song or playlist that gets you energized and motivated?
Chris Lykes: Honestly, if I’m not listening to Michael Jackson, I’m listening to soundtracks from movies. The genre of music is called epic, but it makes me feel like I’m in a movie leading up to the comeback victory scene.
HFR: Can you share a unique or surprising aspect about your athletic journey that most people may not know about? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Chris Lykes: Well, the unique part about me in this journey is my height. In a game where 95% of the athletes are over 6’0, has always been a challenge for me, but not a bad one. I’m very competitive and always ready to prove my height isn’t a disadvantage. I’ve learned how to be my own physical trainer through dealing with a few injuries. Social media really helped me with that because I was able to learn from so many other creators and eventually, I started putting the pieces together. Now, When I have pain or soreness in an area I know exactly what’s causing it and what to do to fix it.
HFR: What is your favorite book? What is your favorite movie?
Chris Lykes: My favorite book is Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf. My favorite movie is probably “Planet of the Apes”.
HFR: How do you mentally prepare and envision success leading up to an important competition? What visualization techniques do you use?
Chris Lykes: I credit a lot of what I do to coach L at the University of Miami. The process starts the night before for me. Before I enter sleep state, I visualize myself playing well. I visualize myself doing all the things necessary for us to win. The next day as soon as I wake up, I go for a 20 minute walk with my dog. This helps reset your body and get blood flowing early. Before the game I meditate for just 5 minutes. I pair this with breath work. I calm my nerves and thoughts and allow them to just flow. Play hard and Have Fun is the mentality I go in with.
HFR: As an athlete, you undoubtedly face high-pressure situations and intense stress at times. How do you cope with and overcome feelings of anxiety, stress, or pressure in those moments? Do you have any specific mental routines or practices that help calm and refocus your mind?
Chris Lykes: I just zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Even my favorite athletes have bad games. It’s normal, and often times the games we learn the most from are the ones we don’t play well. Every “failure” or loss is actually an opportunity to gain experience and learn.
HFR: What are your aspirations long-term? In what ways do you feel your experiences as a competitive athlete can enhance your career prospects?
Chris Lykes: With basketball, I want to continue to evolve and become the best athlete that I can be while also sharing the knowledge I have for the game with the next generation. I’ve been playing basketball for almost 20 years now and I think I’ve gained enough experience to make a difference in the sports world, especially for undersized athletes.
HFR: Balancing academic responsibilities with an athletic training regimen undoubtedly requires strong time management. How do you effectively structure your schedule to achieve success in both sports and school? What tips would you share.
Chris Lykes: I wasn’t the best at this because I liked to procrastinate. Yes, the regime is difficult because you want to dedicate all your time into your season, but I found that when you planned ahead of time it always made things easier.
HFR: 3 tips (1 fitness, 1 nutrition, and 1 mental health) to motivate Americans to be healthy and fit?
Chris Lykes: Fitness- Once a week, at least, you should do sprints. Nutrition- Eat more fruit. Mental- Read.
To learn more about Chris, you can follow his Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
