BOCA RATON — When center Vlad Goldin used to practice and play at Florida Atlantic’s basketball arena, the 7-footer always daydreamed about being in the NBA.
So it was a poetic moment Sept. 30 when Goldin stepped onto the court at Eleanor Baldwin Arena for his first NBA practice in the red of the Miami Heat.
Goldin, who played on FAU’s Final four team in 2023 and the Owls’ 2024 NCAA Tournament-qualifying squad, did not get drafted last June, but was quickly scooped up by the Heat as a free agent.
Goldin, now listed at 7-1, signed a two-way deal, meaning the bruising center likely will see some action with Miami’s G League team in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The Heat last held their training camp at FAU in 2023, just months after the Owls were placed onto the national college-basketball map.
“One of best feelings in the world,’’ Goldin said of being back here in a Heat uniform. “It’s amazing seeing how much this place changed (in national perception) since we went to The Final Four.’’
Goldin’s first taste of NBA ball was in July at the Las Vegas Summer League where he averaged 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 block per game with a true shooting percentage of 68.3 percent.
“I dreamed about playing in the NBA every single day since I started playing basketball until now,’’ Goldin said. “I’m not going to stop dreaming.’’
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra understood the significance of Goldin’s first practice on Boca Raton hardwood.
“I’m sure it’s special being back here,’’ Spoelstra said. “We all watched (the Final 4) run in South Florida. He knows where the good lunch spots are here.’’
The first impressions are excellent. The 24-year-old rookie from Russia transferred from FAU to Michigan for his senior year shortly after coach Dusty May bolted to the Wolverines in March 2024.
Erik Spoelstra likes Vlad Goldin’s ‘size, motor, physicality’
“I’m not necessarily surprised,’’ Spoelstra said. “We know Dusty very well. I’ve talked to him. There are things you can definitely count on – his size, his motor, physicality. He does have limitations (but) he’s committed to the process of development. We’re open arms with him.’’
The Heat are developing shotblocking center Kel’ el Ware, a 2024 first-round pick. All-Star Bam Adebayo is the starting center, but there’s always been hope of moving him to power forward.
Goldin’s NBA concern: Is he fast enough laterally to defend, especially with Miami known for its switching defense.
“We see there could be a role he can carve out in this league based on how some things are changing,’’ Spoelstra said. “But he’s delightful, comes in, works every day and hits the crap out of our bigs and smiles with them afterward.’’
Goldin is already getting along swimmingly with Ware, 21. “I like Vlad – a great guy,’’ Ware said. “His rim protection reminds me of myself. He’ll be a help for us for sure. ‘’
Vlad Goldin talks to FAU coach John Jakus
Before practice, Goldin met with current FAU coach John Jakus, who was in place when Goldin made his transfer decision on April 29, 2024. A handful of FAU players watched the Heat’s practice, though none of them played with Goldin.
Goldin was hailed by summer league coach Eric Glass in June as a guy who “plays so freakin’ hard.” And he was still at it on Day 1 of camp.
“I’m trying to impact winning as much as I can,’’ Goldin said. “We don’t have that much time. Sometimes you just have one chance. First time, I’m trying to exceed every single minute.’’
Regarding his year at big-time Michigan, where he averaged 16.6 points and 7.9 rebounds, Goldin said, “It was two completely different teams. One team (FAU) was playing one center and four small guards. The other team (Michigan) played two 7-footers. It was huge difference. But the court and ball were the same.’’
After not getting drafted, Goldin had Miami at the top of his list with an eye on returning to this region.
“It’s probably one of the best places in the States,’’ Goldin said. “Obviously it’s great to be back in South Florida.
“So many memories and the relationships we built here and the people impacted by us winning that year,’’ Goldin added. “It’s unbelievable. It’s beautiful to understand we were able to leave that mark.’’
What kind of mark he leaves as a rookie is to be determined. Miami recently signed veteran center, ex-Knick, Precious Achiuwa.
“I’m OK with whatever happens,’’ Goldin said. “ I just trust what’s going to happen. If I have to play in Sioux Falls, I will play in Sioux Falls. If I play here, I wll play here. As a player I just want to win.’’
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Heat rookie center Vlad Goldin happy to be back at Florida Atlantic’s arena
Reporting by Marc Berman / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
