Graduate center Vlad Goldin’s ceiling has always been high — literally. At 7-foot-1, Goldin’s size and strength give him an advantage in the paint, and Michigan’s last three games have seen him grow into his role. And on Saturday against Iowa, Goldin’s talents were on display.
In a game defined by dramatic swings, the Wolverines edged out an 85-83 victory over the Hawkeyes, improving to 8-1 on the season — and Goldin was the standout.
Goldin showcased his versatility and composure, leading Michigan with 20 points on productive 6-of-8 shooting from the field, while going 8-of-11 at the free-throw line. Goldin recorded his first double-double as a Wolverine with 11 rebounds, an assist, and a block.
“(Goldin has) just been a guy that you can see, when he’s really locked in and focused, there’s a different level of play,” Michigan head coach Dusty May said. “I think now he’s finding that level of play. … He just seems a lot more determined, and he’s changing the expectations by the game.”
Goldin led the Wolverines in scoring for the second consecutive game and provided critical stability during a second-half stretch that saw Iowa take its first lead after Michigan’s early dominance. And in that second half, Goldin showed his poise under pressure. With Iowa taking its first lead of the game at 45-44, Goldin responded with a series of crucial plays. He scored on a tough layup to reclaim the lead and later converted an offensive rebound into another and-one opportunity. His physicality on the boards and ability to draw fouls forced Iowa to adjust their defensive schemes, opening up opportunities for the Wolverine guards to attack the rim.
“I never was worried about stats,” Goldin said. “All I worry about is winning, and I want to win as many games as possible. If I have to play nights when I have to score two points, I’ll take those nights. If I have to score 20, I’ll score 20. I’m gonna do whatever the team needs to do.”
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