Max Shulga

Maksym Shulga Bio

Maksym Shulga (Ukrainian: Максим Шульга; born June 25, 2002) is a Ukrainian professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Utah State Aggies and the VCU Rams. In the 2025 NBA draft, he was selected with the 57th overall pick by the Orlando Magic. Shulga is recognized for his versatility on the court, playing both point guard and shooting guard positions.

Early Life and Background

Maksym Shulga was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. At the age of 11, he moved to Spain to pursue his passion for basketball, initially attending Colegio Leones in León. By age 14, he had relocated to Madrid to attend the Basketball School of Excellence in Torrelodones, where he honed his skills and developed a strong foundation in the sport. His early exposure to competitive basketball set the stage for his future endeavors in the United States.

Path to Basketball

Shulga began his college basketball career at Utah State University, where he made a significant impact during his time with the Aggies. He was named an honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference player as a junior, showcasing his ability to contribute effectively on the court. After the departure of head coach Ryan Odom, he transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to continue his collegiate career, further developing his skills and gaining valuable experience.

Maksym Shulga Career

Early Career (2020–2025)

During his tenure at Utah State, Shulga averaged 11.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and four assists per game in his junior year. His performance earned him recognition and led to his transfer to VCU, where he excelled in the Atlantic 10 Conference. In his first season with the Rams, he was named first-team All-Atlantic 10 after averaging 14 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. His final year at VCU saw him achieve career-high averages of 15 points, 5.9 rebounds, and four assists per game, leading the Rams to both the Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament championships.

Breakthrough (2025)

Shulga’s breakthrough moment came during the 2025 NBA draft, where he was selected with the 57th overall pick by the Orlando Magic. His rights were subsequently traded to the Boston Celtics, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. On August 7, 2025, he signed a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics, allowing him to play for both the Celtics and their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. This opportunity provided him with the platform to showcase his talent at the highest level of basketball.

Notable Works and Milestones

Shulga’s signature achievements include being named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in 2025 and earning first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors in both 2024 and 2025. His contributions to the VCU Rams were instrumental in their success, culminating in a strong performance in the NCAA tournament.

Maksym Shulga Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Maksym Shulga has received notable nominations, including Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and first-team All-Atlantic 10, reflecting his impact in collegiate basketball.

Maksym Shulga Awards Won

Maksym Shulga has won several awards, including the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in 2025 and being named to the first-team All-Atlantic 10 in both 2024 and 2025, highlighting his exceptional performance in college basketball.