Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Vladislav Goldin
Position: Center
College: Michigan
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 7'1", 250 lbs
Birthdate: May 12, 2001
Previous Colleges: Florida Atlantic, Texas Tech
High School: Putnam Science Academy (CT)
Player Overview
Vladislav Goldin is a highly efficient interior scorer with a strong face-up game and improving touch from mid-range. At 7'1" and 250 lbs, he has the physical presence to bully smaller defenders in the post and is particularly effective in big-to-big pick-and-roll situations, where he uses his strength and positioning to finish at a high percentage. His shot-blocking ability and high motor make him a reliable defensive anchor, as he consistently contests shots and deters opponents in the paint.
While Goldin has shown flashes of three-point shooting ability, his offensive game can be predictable and methodical in the paint. He needs to add more variety to his post moves and improve his playmaking ability when facing double teams. Defensively, his foot speed in switches is a concern, as he may struggle against quicker, more athletic forwards and wings at the next level.
"Goldin’s college career and continued development have been impressive, and he’s had a great season at Michigan. However, as more teams warm back up to playing true bigs instead of fully committing to small ball, his long-term NBA pathway is still hard to project." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Efficient Scorer: Finishes at a high percentage around the rim and uses both hands well.
Defensive Anchor: High-motor shot blocker who disrupts plays in the paint.
Physical Presence: Can overpower smaller defenders and finish through contact.
Big-to-Big Chemistry: Works well in pick-and-roll actions with skilled bigs.
Face-Up Game: Has the ability to hit mid-range jumpers and make decisive moves off the dribble.
Concerns
Foot Speed in Switches: Struggles when forced to defend in space against quicker opponents.
Limited Offensive Versatility: Paint scoring is methodical and predictable at times.
Playmaking & Passing: Needs to improve at recognizing double teams and kicking out faster.
Age & Upside: Will be one of the older prospects in the draft class, raising questions about his long-term ceiling.
Questions
Can he develop a more consistent three-point shot to expand his offensive role?
Will his foot speed improve enough to survive switches against perimeter players?
As a traditional center, can his game still translate to the modern NBA?
Bottom Line
Vladislav Goldin is a strong, high-motor center with a proven ability to finish efficiently and protect the rim. His size, toughness, and defensive presence make him an intriguing prospect. However, his foot speed and offensive predictability raise concerns about his ability to thrive in the NBA. If he can add a more reliable perimeter shot and improve his passing out of double teams, it would help Goldin's case.