VCU transfer Max Shulga gives Villanova playmaking and shooting as its roster continues to take shape

Villanova got a good look at VCU guard Max Shulga when it lost to Shulga’s Rams in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament on March 20. Then the Wildcats took a longer look at him after Shulga entered the transfer portal on April 18.

On Friday, Shulga, who has one year of eligibility remaining, committed to Villanova. If you can’t beat ‘em, get ‘em?

“I just think it’s a program with a lot of history, a lot of winning culture,” Shulga said. “I’m just glad to be a part of a big-time program like that and play for Coach [Kyle] Neptune.”

Villanova has prioritized playmaking and shooting in the portal, and Shulga, at 6-foot-4, brings both.

Shulga, a native of Kyiv, Ukraine, played his first three seasons at Utah State and then followed coach Ryan Odom to VCU before last season. In 2023-24, Shulga averaged 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists and shot 44.6% from the field (41.5% on 5.6 three-point attempts per game) and 87.6% on free throws.

Shulga said his focus before joining the Big East is on getting stronger and preparing for the pace.

“I think my game translates to any level,” he said.

He is the third player — all guards — to commit to Villanova in the transfer portal, and the Wildcats are on their way to a new-look backcourt in 2024-25. Villanova previously received commitments from former La Salle point guard Jhamir Brickus, who also has one year of eligibility remaining, and Penn freshman Tyler Perkins.

The Wildcats also remain in the mix for guard/wing scorer Khalif Battle, who played at Arkansas last season after one at Butler and then three at Temple (including a medical redshirt). Battle, who averaged 14.8 points and shot 87.3% from the foul line last season, also is considering Gonzaga and Kansas State.

» READ MORE: College basketball’s offseason has a free agency feel. Here’s how Villanova is navigating the new world.

Shulga’s commitment leaves Villanova with four scholarship spots remaining, but that number includes an asterisk, with sophomore guard Mark Armstrong and senior forward Eric Dixon going through the NBA draft process.

What does all of this movement at guard mean for Armstrong, who started 32 of Villanova’s 34 games? That’s a bit unclear right now. Armstrong did not enter the transfer portal ahead of Thursday’s deadline and is considering his options at the next level. Junior guard Jordan Longino likely will play a key bench role for Villanova.

The Wildcats remain in the market for a starting-caliber big man no matter Dixon’s decision. Their frontcourt group lacks experience, though incoming freshmen Josiah Moseley and Matthew Hodge may compete for minutes right away.

Villanova, which finished 18-16 and missed the NCAA Tournament again under second-year coach Kyle Neptune, lost four players to the portal.

Guards Brendan Hausen and TJ Bamba were significant contributors in 2023-24 whom Villanova seemingly has replaced through the portal with players it prefers, both in their roles and at the price they commanded in the name, image, and likeness market.

Hausen committed to Kansas State last week, and Bamba committed to Oregon on Thursday. Villanova also lost forwards Trey Patterson (Rice) and Lance Ware (uncommitted).

» READ MORE: The NCAA’s transfer portal has closed. Big 5 basketball teams were impacted in different ways.

Shulga shouldn’t be a stranger to some men’s Big 5 fans, with St. Joseph’s and La Salle playing in the Atlantic 10 with VCU. Shulga largely was the reason the Hawks’ run in the conference tournament ended in the semifinals this past season, after he made 10 of 11 shots — including 3-for-4 shooting from deep — for 25 points in VCU’s 66-60 victory.

Shulga has been durable in his two seasons as a starter. He averaged 31.2 minutes per game in 35 games at Utah State in 2021-22 and then 32.9 minutes in 37 games at VCU this past season. He was one of the better guards remaining in the transfer portal.

“I’m bringing everything that I can,” Shulga said. “The role that I’m going to have is a point guard, making the game easier for my teammates and myself and having everybody involved and playing as a team.”

Guards: Shulga (graduate); Brickus (graduate); Perkins (sophomore); Longino (senior)

Forwards/centers: Nnanna Njoku (senior); Jordann Dumont (redshirt freshman); Moseley (freshman); Hodge (freshman); Malcolm Thomas (freshman)

Armstrong (junior); Dixon (graduate)