Florida basketball should make a run at Vlad Goldin in the transfer portal
By Will Thomas
Florida basketball's season is over and the transfer portal is as active as ever, with thousands of players already entering their names in the portal before the national champion is crowned.
While the Gators haven't been named as finalists for anybody yet, they have contacted multiple big names in the portal with the hopes of adding to what figures to be an already talented roster for next season.
One guy who entered the portal today that Todd Golden and the Gators should reach out to is Vladislav Golden, FAU's center who was a key part of their Final Four run last season.
There's a lot to like with Vlad, and while he'll certainly be a hot commodity in the portal, he's a guy that Florida needs to check in.
Florida basketball: Checks all the boxes
Many guys who enter the portal have a lot of question marks around their game. But it's hard to find a real area where Vlad needs to improve before he can compete in the SEC.
After starting his career at Texas Tech where he only played 10 minutes per game, he went to FAU and has improved every single season.
This year he started in all 34 games he played and put up 15.7 points per game on 67.3% from the field along with 6.9 rebounds per game.
Year by year he's increased his FG%, PPG, and rebounds per game, along with his blocks and assists while committing fewer fouls.
It's good enough to look at how much his numbers are improving, and then you remember he's also 7'1''. Any guy over seven feet who you can depend on to give you constant production is worth going after.
His experience is a big boost as well. Along with being a fifth year player, Goldin went to the Final Four with the Owls last season. He knows what it takes to win in March and has proven that he can go head-to-head with elite bigs and win those matchups.
Golden has the Gators trending upward, and has a gap to fill down low with Tyrese Samuel graduating. Gainesville could be a great fit for Vlad.