Tkachenko began playing withStroitel of theUSSR Premiere League, during the 1973–74 season, when he was 16 years old. He continued to play for them through the 1981–82 season. In 1983, he began playing for the USSR League clubCSKA Moscow, and he stayed there through the 1989–90 season. He finished his club career in the former Spanish 2nd division, withGuadalajara, in the1990–91 season.
Tkachenko, a 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m), 243 lb (110 kg)center, was a great defensive player. He could block out 2-3 opponents to give teammates a chance to grab arebound. His offensive ability was important too, as his post up moves were basic, but effective, and his shooting was good for a player of his size, with a range of approximately 17 feet.
