RICHMOND, Va. – Max Shulga is NBA bound.
The reigning Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year was selected 57th overall Thursday in the NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic and later traded to the Boston Celtics to become the latest VCU Basketball standout to head to “The League”.
A 6-foot-5 guard, Shulga is the 23rd VCU alumnus to be drafted by an NBA franchise, including the fourth since 2021. Former Black and Gold swingman Jamir Watkins, who helped the Rams to the 2023 A-10 title and finished his collegiate career at Florida State, was selected 43rd overall Thursday by the Utah Jazz and traded to the Washington Wizards.
Shulga averaged 15.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.0 assist per game, while shooting 39 percent from 3-point range in 2024-25 and led VCU to A-10 regular season and tournament titles, as well as an NCAA berth.
In two seasons with the Rams after spending three years at Utah State, Shulga, a native of Kyiv, Ukraine, poured in 1,045 points. He ranks third all-time at VCU in 3-point (.402) and free throw percentage (.826).
In all, 12 VCU alums have suited up in an NBA game, including Vince Williams Jr. (Memphis) and Bones Hyland (LA Clippers and Minnesota) in 2024-25.
