Max Shulga: FIBAU20 Player Recap
College Basketball Breakout Season Candidates — CBB Global
BIO / DATA / STATS
Maksym Shulga: Kiev, Ukraine / DOB 06.25 02 / 6’4–197lb
High School: Basketball School of Excellence, Torrelodones, Spain.
Junior at Utah State University, Mountain West Conference, NCAA.
Ukraine Youth International: U20+U18 European Championships.
ROLE Two-Way Guard / Versatile Shotmaker / Secondary Initiator.
DEFENSIVE MATCHUP: 1–2 guard spots, 3 to some degree.
Max Shulga has been one of the best stories in terms of growth and prospect development during this FIBA U20 even after Ukraine got relegated to Division B with a 1–6 record. The Utah State player has taken a leap in minutes, usage and production in relation to his off-the-bench role with the Aggies, and has been the brightest spark in a team that wasn’t short of talent (check on 2003 born prospects Oleksandr Kobzystyi or Bohdan Bryniuk) and even managed to beat Lithuania in the group stages, but still ended last in the tournament.
Shulga is a 6’4 well-built guard with broad shoulders, strong legs and long arms (wingspan N/A), and he knows the drill on both ends of the floor. Not super shifty on-the-ball or an uber-athlete that plays above the rim either, but he’s swift and sharp on ball screens, getting to the rack with a head of steam (1PPP as PNR ball-handler by InStat). Shulga uses his frame, balance and low centre of gravity to protect the rock, and can finish among the trees and draw contact in tight spaces (6.4 FT attempts per game).
OFFENSE
In Montenegro, Shulga has shown himself as an offensive motor able to score at all three levels. His shooting mechanics are sound: nice dip and smooth one-motion release that works well off the bounce and off the catch (in a smaller sample), and could warrant him the off screens sniper consideration in the near future (45.0 3P% from downtown in college in just 1.3 attempts per game). But because threes weren’t falling at a higher volume early on in Podgorica (until his fantastic 7/10 threes vs Slovenia) Max went downhill in high-picks and handoffs. It’s all about feel, fundamentals and timing. Bits of crossover and change of pace dribble, jump stops, pivots, pump fakes, and buckets. The ability to create separation and get the shot up has been a significant part of Max’s offensive package for awhile. Shulga is a bit too one-handed as of today though, and will need to improve his offhand finishing in order to get the most of his bag of tricks against stronger, larger and more athletic opposition.
Besides his impressive scoring numbers (18.3pts), Shulga’s shot-making and self-creation invites to think we have a reliable secondary initiator in the making that can only get better at understanding and exploiting his gravity in the lane. He has the swag to test matchups and cut corners even going left, and his expanded summer role on-the-ball is likely to pay off in the future. With Ukraine, Shulga has ran the point in midcourt for long stretches, particularly the last two games with main PG Oleksandr Kovliar injured (1.63 ATO) and we’ve seen a good chunk of feeds to his big on the roll, plus other intriguing reads as a slasher (drive-and-kick and drive-and-dish) and ball mover that finds teammates with a variety of dimes.
DEFENSE
On his own end, Shulga offers physicality and strength navigating screens in the perimeter, but being tasked with carrying the scoring load, motor comes and goes. Anyhow, Shulga tends to stick to his man in drive coverage for the most part. Obviously he’s got more problems turning hips against explosive or silky ball-handlers and also holding big wings. Still, he can do a job with his wingspan, upward stance and light feet on point-of-attack. Defensively Max is particularly effective in closeouts though, quick to recover and contest the open shooter at the 3-point line thanks to his length. However, there’s plenty of room for him to grow as reactive help-defender, fitting in rotations and even playing passing lanes. Altogether, Shulga has shown himself as a willing two-way player that is always ready to turn defense into transition offense and works hard for the team. In addition, Shulga has proven to be an excellent rebounder by position and size (5.9rbs) who can make a difference under his glass with his energy and instincts. Again, his frame comes to play on boxouts, but he relies on positioning, standing reach and a notable vertical off two feet too. On the back of his natural tools, Max has improved both his playmaking and confidence in the open court especially in grab-and-go situations.
EXPECTATIONS
Even though he’s only 20, Max Shulga has learned so much on the last few months and enters his junior year at Logan, Utah, on the back of another invaluable National Team experience at youth level. More mature than ever, it’s easy to see the Ukrainian starlet becoming a basic piece in the Aggies’ backcourt with a much bigger role alongside 6’8 Australian wing Sean Bairstow. Utah State seems to have the PG slot well covered with Steven Ashworth, Rylan Jones and RJ Eytle-Rock taking turns at it, but having Shulga gives HC Ryan Odom and his analytical approach the chance to plot with the lineup and swap roles in particular sets. Next season is the ideal scenario to show off more of his leadership and decision making step up, and Shulga is ready to multiply his playing time and impact. Expect him to be tasked with a bunch of the scoring load, but also to grow as a PNR facilitator alongside the likes of Szymon Zapala and Taylor Funk. Shulga’s versatility can fill the third-guard spot too, especially in small-ball lineups, and power up his minutes. And of course, he’ll get the work on D, grab some boards and push the pace when needed. Keep an eye on Max Shulga; young man on the rise and a likely breakout player in the Mountain West Conference come November and beyond.
