Texas Tech basketball: Three newcomers we can’t wait to see in action

Vlad Goldin

The next player that Red Raider fans should be excited to see in action is center Vlad Goldin.  But while the 7-footer is the lowest-rated signee in Tech’s 2020 class, the curiosity surrounding the true freshman is legitimate.

Unlike the other three freshmen in his class, there simply is not that much info on Goldin right now.  Originally from Russia, he played only one year of high school basketball in America and he was not part of the club team circuit where so many of today’s top prospects gain their notoriety.

Thus, it is hard to know exactly what Tech has in this athletic big man.  So when he finally steps on the court for the Red Raiders all eyes will be watching to see if he is more than just another project.

Remember, Goldin is a product of Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut.  That makes him the fourth big man recruit from that school in the Chris Beard era.  None of the other three (Malik Ondigo, Josh Mballa, and Russell Tchewa) lasted more than two seasons at Tech as all three proved to be projects that Beard simply didn’t have time to nurture in his pursuit of a National Title.

But there’s reason to believe that Goldin is going to be a long-term piece of the puzzle for the Red Raiders.  Arriving after playing three seasons for the CSKA Moscow Junior Team and representing his country at the U18 and U19 levels, Goldin is far more polished than any Putnam post player that Beard has brought into the fold.

You have to love the fact that Goldin has much better hands and far greater coordination than most high school 7-footers.  He also displays a nice mid-range jumper and in the above highlight video, he shows the ability to finish around the rim with both hands.

Should Goldin prove to be ready to contribute to the regular rotation this year, there will be a role for him.  He’s Tech’s only player over 6-foot-8 and he could be called upon to help check some of the elite post players that the Big 12 will throw at his team.

Goldin could be the sleeper freshman not only for the Red Raiders but perhaps in the Big 12 this year.  But then again, he could be another Putnam project.  The truth is that we simply don’t know because not many people have seen much from him in America.  Thus, it will be exciting to see what he’s got to offer when the season begins.