Michigan basketball still heavy favorite to land Vlad Goldin

Michigan basketball head coach Dusty May has done an incredible job building a roster for next season — one that can make the NCAA tournament.

But he needs at least one more piece — Vlad Goldin. The 7-foot-1 all-conference center who played on May’s Final Four team at FAU still hasn’t made a decision. Or, at least he hasn’t announced it.

When Goldin entered the transfer portal, he also declared for the NBA draft. Players are allowed to get feedback and return to college. That could be causing a delay. But with just one scholarship spot left, at least right now, it’s fair to wonder what the holdup is.

Vlad Goldin still expected to commit to Michigan basketball

"It would GREATLY surprise me if Vlad Goldin ends up anywhere other than Ann Arbor…" – @GoodmanHoops 👀https://t.co/KsPa17mY7B

After Dark is LIVE ⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/uj80ep3u1N

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 24, 2024

Nobody seems to have a clear answer. But all the tea leaves are pointing toward a commitment to Michigan basketball. Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman said on his podcast Tuesday night, “It would greatly surprise me if Vlad Goldin ends up anywhere other than Ann Arbor.”

That continues to be the vibe. All of the crystal balls are in Michigan’s favor and it’s vital that they land Goldin. The Wolverines have added some nice pieces. Roddy Gayle averaged 13.5 points last season for Ohio State and that was shooting 28 percent from deep. Imagine if that number is in the mid-30s.

But Goldin would be a true No. 1 scoring option. The big man shot 67 percent from the field last season. He also dominated Big Ten foes when he faced them scoring a combined 42 points in two games against Northwestern and Illinois. He also made 15-of-21 attempts in those two games.

With the bevy of 3-point shooters, including fellow 7-footer Danny Wolf, the offense will be fun to watch, just as May said it would. But if Michigan can land Goldin, it feels like the NCAA tournament will be a much better possibility.

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