The VCU Rams are having a phenomenal season up to this point. They currently sit second in the Atlantic 10 at 11-2, only behind George Mason University. VCU is also still in the conversation for an at-large bid, sitting in the top 40 in the KenPom rankings, with its eyes set on the A-10 championship and a spot in the March Madness tournament.
Head coach Ryan Odom has made VCU into a powerhouse on offense and defense, and one of his main contributing players on the court is graduate student guard Max Shulga.
Shulga leads the Rams in a plethora of per-game statistics, ranking first in minutes played (32), steals (2), assists (3.9), and 3-point percentage (40%) while also being second in points (15.1) and rebounds (5.8).
Shulga claims his best quality is his versatility on the court.
“I can score whenever it’s needed. I can create for my teammates, and I can control the pace of the game,” Shulga said. “Just being versatile in that aspect of being able to impact the game from just anywhere in any position I am on the court.”
Shulga spent his first three years at Utah State, playing under Odom during that time. When Odom took the head coaching job at VCU, Shulga joined him, transferring to VCU for the 2023-24 season.
“I was with [Odom] for two years,” Shulga said. “That’s just who I felt the most comfortable with and who I felt will give me the most trust on the court.”
Transferring to VCU was the right move for the Ukrainian native, as he made significant strides in his senior season compared to his junior year at Utah State.
Following his senior year, Shulga, a combo guard, declared for the NBA draft. He withdrew his name from the draft. Even though he knew it was the right decision, it didn’t come without some tough decisions.
Shulga originally came back and entered the transfer portal. On May 3, 2024, Shulga officially committed to Villanova University. However, he rescinded his commitment only a few weeks later and returned to VCU.
“When I did it, I wouldn’t say it was a spontaneous decision, but it was kinda that,” Shulga said. “I just thought, ‘Why would I even leave?’ Why would I leave something I have here in a family environment and a very good team coming back with a good chance at making the dance [and] winning the A-10 championship.”
Shulga’s decision to stay at VCU has paid off. He is once again having a career year and showing improvements in nearly every aspect.
“I never really focus on just one specific thing. I just try to get better overall,” Shulga said.
Following this season, Shulga will test the NBA draft waters again. He’s hoping that good play in the NBA Summer League will help land him a contract. Otherwise, Shulga is open to playing overseas if the NBA does not work out.
One guarantee is that Shulga will continue to have a large impact on the court no matter where his talents take him.
