Vlad Goldin Dominates Again, Secures Second Big Ten Player of the Week Honor

At various times, it was reasonable to wonder how graduate center Vlad Goldin would adapt to the Big Ten. Similar to any transfer moving from a mid-major to a major-conference team, those worries primarily stemmed from the increased talent and physicality of the opponents Goldin was set to confront. Goldin did himself no favors, as his debut with the No. 20 Michigan men’s basketball team was unimpressive.

However, following his second Big Ten Player of the Week award on Monday, it’s clear that concerns regarding Goldin’s adjustment are behind us — he has clearly proven himself as one of the leading players in the conference.

“I didn’t begin the season as I had hoped,” Goldin mentioned Sunday following the victory against Washington. “However, we must all acquire knowledge eventually. … I feel a sense of pride when making shots.” If my team grants me the privilege to take a shot, I believe I must make it count. That’s the reason it matters to me to make each shot, or at least attempt to.

So far, no other team in the nation is shooting as well as the Wolverines. Michigan ranks first nationally in field-goal percentage, with Goldin as its top scorer. Goldin’s recent performance — featuring the two matches versus the Huskies and UCLA that garnered him conference acknowledgment — has occurred against some of the toughest and most skilled adversaries the Wolverines have encountered.

In games against Washington and the Bruins, Goldin made a total of 19 out of 25 attempts. Michigan consistently fed the 7-footer in the post, and at an impressive rate, he finished by putting the ball in the basket.

The other day, someone messaged me and asked, ‘Why? “Why is your team’s 2-point percentage consistently so high?” Wolverines coach Dusty May remarked on Monday. “I needed to contemplate it for a moment.” I considered that we consistently have skilled shooters, plus we have Vlad. Therefore, when you possess shooting skills and have Vlad, you are likely to be an effective 2-point percentage team.

Goldin has propelled himself into the national top-10 for effective field-goal percentage, elevating Michigan to the leading position as a team. Certainly, the Wolverines are hitting 3-pointers at a rate of 37.8% — with Goldin sinking 4-of-6 in the last four games — yet their effectiveness and offensive character are centered on the inside game.

They desire the ball in the hands of Goldin and his fellow 7-footer, junior forward Danny Wolf. The combination of their size, along with Wolf’s versatility and Goldin’s scoring prowess, creates a distinctive offensive strategy for Michigan. The four-five pick-and-roll has been used more often, and Goldin’s touches have consistently risen as well.

Now fully engaged in Big Ten action, Goldin is expected to keep shouldering the responsibility as the Wolverines’ top scorer. This is partly due to his personal development this season, but also because he has demonstrated to his coach that he can excel at Michigan as he did at Florida Atlantic.

“I’m going to accept responsibility for that; we simply didn’t seek him out as much as we ought to have,” May stated. “However, he is competing at a significantly elevated standard.” He’s progressing more effectively. He’s acclimated to the physicality. It’s odd with Vlad; he tends to perform better against larger, more physical teams.

In the first game, Goldin made just one attempt versus Cleveland State in a definitive victory for the Wolverines. Now, two months after that two-point showing, it’s difficult to envision it occurring again this season. With his second Big Ten Player of the Week award, Goldin has demonstrated that he not only adapted to but has also made a strong impact on the conference.