Russian-born Vlad Goldin has quickly become one of the most important figures in the world of college basketball. As the director of player development and basketball operations for Florida Atlantic University, Goldin has played a crucial role in the program’s rise to prominence, culminating in their surprising Final Four run this season. In this article, we will dive deeper into Goldin’s background and explore how he has helped transform Florida Atlantic into a basketball powerhouse.
Florida Atlantic’s Vlad Goldin, a 7-foot-1 center from Russia, led the Owls to victory in the NCAA Tournament’s East Regional final against Kansas State last Saturday with a score of 79-76. Goldin scored 14 points and had a game-high 13 rebounds to secure Florida Atlantic’s first NCAA Final Four appearance. Goldin had previously helped Florida Atlantic defeat Tennessee in the Sweet 16, and was greeted with cheers and thanks from FAU fans when hang around after the game ended. Goldin will now play in the Final Four on Saturday at Houston’s NRG Stadium against San Diego State. Goldin has become a pivotal part of the Florida Atlantic program, even though his parents have never seen him play in college as the school’s home arena has a capacity of only 2,900 fans.
Goldin’s journey to Florida Atlantic began in Russia when he switched from wrestling to basketball as a teenager. After playing for three seasons for the CSKA Moscow junior team, Goldin asked his coaches about heading to the U.S. to play in college, which is rare among Russians. Goldin arrived in the U.S. in November 2019 and enrolled at Putnam Science Academy, a prep school in Putnam, Conn. Goldin stood out on a Putnam team that featured other notable players, including 7-footer Josh Gray, 6-foot-11 Elijah Hutchins-Everett, and 6-foot-10 Darnell Brodie. After that season, Goldin signed with Texas Tech, where he only played in 10 games and scored 19 points. After Texas Tech coach Chris Beard left for Texas, Goldin entered the transfer portal and soon joined Florida Atlantic. He has started all 38 games this season, averaging 10.3 points and a team-high 6.6 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game.
As the Final Four draws near, the spotlight is shining brightly on the Florida Atlantic Owls and their star player, Vlad Goldin. The Russian center has been a key part of the team’s surprising run through the tournament, using his size, skill, and experience to dominate on the court. It’s clear that Goldin has become a fan favorite and a true leader on this squad, and his contributions have been nothing short of remarkable. As we look ahead to the Final Four, all eyes will be on Goldin and the Owls, as they continue to defy the odds and make their mark on the college basketball world. Whatever the outcome may be, there’s no denying that Goldin’s impact on this team will be felt for years to come.
