Vlad Goldin has had quite the journey to get to this point. The Russian-born basketball player faced plenty of criticism throughout his career. He played for three different schools and is one of the oldest players in the 2025 NBA Draft. Goldin has the size and frame to be an NBA player. The question remains: can he expand his game far beyond just the post? After not attempting any threes before this past season at Michigan, Goldin was pretty limited to just the post. Following coach Dusty May to Ann Arbor may have been exactly what Vlad needed. So, without further delay, let’s look at Goldin as a prospect.
Vlad Goldin 2025 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
After making the journey from Russia to the United States, Vlad found a home at Putnam Science Academy in Putnam, Connecticut. From there, he enrolled at Texas Tech University for the 2020-21 season. Despite some high hopes after being a four-star recruit, Vlad only played in 10 games in his freshman season with the Red Raiders. With the limited time, Goldin looked elsewhere. Hello, Dusty May and Florida Atlantic. After barely averaging a point per game at Tech, Goldin bumped his totals up to seven points and five rebounds in his sophomore season with the Owls.
From there, Goldin only got better, as he continued to earn more minutes and started to show off his scoring and defensive skills around the post. As a junior, Vlad started all 39 games as the Owls reached the Final Four. In doing so, Goldin was rewarded with an All-AAC Third-Team honor in 2023. He spent one more season with the Owls and took his game to the next level, finishing the 2023-24 season with an average of 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds.
After four seasons of ball, Goldin ended up having an extra season, and with Coach May leaving for Michigan, it was only natural that Vlad would follow. His move to the Wolverines certainly paid off, as Goldin exploded during the 2024-25 season, part of Michigan’s “Area 51” duo alongside Danny Wolf . Goldin proved to be arguably the best true center in the Big Ten and earned 1st-Team all-conference for his tough and consistent scoring. He came up clutch during the Wolverines’ run to the Big Ten Tournament Title, receiving MVP honors for the tournament. He finished the season averaging 16.6 points and seven rebounds.
Strengths
If Vlad Goldin’s NBA Draft chances are going to be assured, he must translate his effectiveness around the basket to the big leagues. Finishing is certainly one of his strengths, as he shot 60.8 percent from the field. But then again, that was because he was mainly scoring within the post. Goldin can also finish with both hands, which will make things difficult for defenders. Unlike Wolf, Goldin can be the anchor on the defensive end. He’s a highly motivated shot-blocker, going after the ball with ferocity. He is certainly a player who can give his team a boost on that end of the floor.
Goldin also works well in pick and roll with other bigs. Plenty of that was showcased with the Wolverines. Goldin’s face-up game is strong as well, as he isn’t afraid to hit a mid-range jumper.
Weaknesses
Before playing in Ann Arbor, Goldin didn’t attempt a single three-point shot. He finished the 2024-25 season going 11-33 from deep. It proves he wasn’t afraid to step out beyond the arc. Then again, it isn’t his strong suit. A major concern for Goldin is the predictability of his game. Sure, he’s good at finishing with both hands, but say he gets put into a tough situation; he doesn’t quite have the skill to get out of it. He also struggled when doubled, as his passing isn’t a strong suit, either. Goldin averaged an assist per game this past season, but when he was doubled, he wasn’t very quick in his decision-making to pass out of it.
One of Goldin’s weaknesses on defense is when he has to guard a quicker opponent. He doesn’t have the foot speed to stick with every player. He’s got the size to be effective against everyone defensively, but quickness can’t bite him. The last major concern for Goldin has to be his age. He’s 24, and most of the other guys getting picked in the NBA Draft are quite a bit younger. Experience is great, but his age could limit his longevity.
NBA Comparison
You can never go wrong in the NBA with having depth, especially in the post. Goldin has an opportunity to come in and be a key depth piece at the center position. He stands out with his 7-foot-1 frame, along with the muscle he has. Goldin was hard to stop around the rim, especially in the Big Ten. He compares to the likes of former Georgetown Hoya and Miami Heat player Omer Yurtseven . Or if you want to go further back, Goldin reminds me of Chris Mihm . Wherever Vlad lands, they are getting a hard worker who’s got plenty to prove. So, where does that put Vlad Goldin’s NBA Draft landing spot?
2025 NBA Draft Projection
Goldin projects to be a second-round pick.
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