Max 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), competing on a two-way contract with the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League. Standing 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and listed at 210 lb (95 kg), he plays the shooting guard and point guard positions and wears jersey number 44. After a standout college career in the United States, Shulga entered the 2025 NBA draft, where he was selected with the 57th overall pick by the Orlando Magic before his rights were traded to Boston. He is regarded as one of the most promising Ukrainian guards of his generation.
Early Life and Background
Maksym Shulga was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he first developed his love for basketball. At the age of 11, he moved to Spain to study and play organized basketball, enrolling at Colegio Leones in León. The move abroad at such a young age reflected both his early talent and his family’s commitment to his athletic development, and it immersed him in the European approach to the sport.
Three years later, at age 14, Shulga relocated to Madrid to attend the Basketball School of Excellence in Torrelodones, a program known for developing young international prospects. Training in Spain exposed him to high-level competition and a structured, skill-focused system. After completing his secondary education, Shulga committed to play college basketball in the United States, choosing Utah State as his first collegiate destination.
Path to Basketball
Shulga’s path to professional basketball began in Ukraine, but it was his time in Spain that sharpened his fundamentals and prepared him for the next stage. Playing for the Basketball School of Excellence in Torrelodones gave him visibility among American college recruiters and helped him earn a scholarship to Utah State, where he began his NCAA career in 2020.
His progression through European academies, combined with his size and playmaking ability, allowed him to develop into a versatile guard capable of scoring and facilitating. By the time he reached the Mountain West Conference at Utah State, Shulga had already established himself as a polished, pro-ready prospect. His trajectory continued upward when he followed his head coach to a new program, setting the stage for a breakout senior season.
Max Shulga Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Shulga began his college career at Utah State, where he spent three seasons developing within the Aggies’ program. As a junior, he averaged 11.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and four assists per game, earning honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference recognition. His ability to contribute across multiple categories made him one of the most complete guards in the conference.
Following the departure of Aggies head coach Ryan Odom, Shulga entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling a desire to continue his growth in a new environment. The transition proved pivotal, as it allowed him to showcase his skills at the Atlantic 10 Conference level and compete for higher individual and team honors.
VCU Breakthrough (2023–2025)
Shulga transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), following head coach Ryan Odom to the Rams. In his first season with the program, he was named first-team All-Atlantic 10 Conference after averaging 14 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. The award confirmed his status as one of the top guards in the league and set the stage for an even stronger final campaign.
At the end of that season, Shulga re-entered the transfer portal and initially committed to Villanova, but he ultimately decommitted and returned to VCU. In his final year with the Rams, he elevated his production to career highs, averaging 15 points, 5.9 rebounds, and four assists per game. He led VCU to both the Atlantic 10 Conference regular season title and the 2025 A-10 tournament championship, securing the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Rams won 18 of their final 20 games and earned a No. 11 seed, where they fell to No. 6 seed BYU in the first round.
Boston Celtics Era (2025–Present)
Shulga was one of 75 players invited to the 2025 NBA draft combine in May 2025, signaling strong league interest in his game. He was selected with the 57th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic, and his draft rights were subsequently traded to the Boston Celtics. On August 7, 2025, Boston signed Shulga to a two-way contract, and he was assigned to the Celtics’ NBA G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, to begin his professional career.
On February 4, 2026, Shulga logged approximately two minutes of playing time in a 114–93 victory over the Houston Rockets, marking his first appearance in an NBA regular season game. On March 15, 2026, he signed a two-year, standard contract with the Celtics, cementing his place on the franchise’s roster. His development within the Celtics organization reflects the team’s long-term investment in young, versatile international guards.
Driving Style and Strengths
Shulga is a versatile combo guard who thrives as both a scorer and a facilitator. His size allows him to play effectively at either guard position, and his basketball IQ shines through in his rebounding and assist numbers. Coaches have praised his poise, court vision, and ability to perform in high-pressure moments, particularly during VCU’s late-season championship run.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Shulga’s signature achievements are his 2025 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honor and back-to-back first-team All-Atlantic 10 selections in 2024 and 2025. He also led VCU to the 2025 A-10 tournament title and an NCAA tournament appearance, capping one of the most successful individual seasons in program history.
Max Shulga Career Wins
Shulga’s career wins include individual conference awards and team championships earned during his college years. As a junior at Utah State and during both seasons at VCU, he accumulated All-Conference selections and a conference tournament title, establishing himself as a winner at every level he has competed.
VCU Highlights
At VCU, Shulga earned first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors in 2024 and 2025, was named the 2025 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, and led the Rams to the 2025 A-10 tournament championship. His leadership helped VCU secure an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, where the team earned a No. 11 seed and faced No. 6 seed BYU in the first round.
Other Wins & Performances
During his three seasons at Utah State, Shulga earned honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference recognition in 2023 after a strong junior campaign. Across both college programs, he consistently delivered double-digit scoring, quality rebounding, and reliable playmaking, performances that ultimately paved the way for his professional opportunity with the Boston Celtics.
Max Shulga Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Maksym Shulga’s family background is limited. What is known is that he was raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, and that his family supported his early move to Spain at age 11 to pursue basketball training at Colegio Leones in León.
Personal Life
Shulga has kept much of his personal life private. He relocated from Ukraine to Spain as a young teenager and later moved to the United States for college, a path that reflects his dedication to basketball and his adaptability across different countries and cultures.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a defining year for Maksym Shulga. In his final college campaign at VCU, he elevated his averages to 15 points, 5.9 rebounds, and four assists per game, leading the Rams to both the Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament championships. His play earned him the 2025 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year award and a second straight first-team All-Atlantic 10 selection.
Following the college season, Shulga was invited to the 2025 NBA draft combine in May, where he showcased his skills in front of league executives. Selected 57th overall by the Orlando Magic and traded to the Boston Celtics, he signed a two-way contract on August 7, 2025, and was assigned to the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League to begin his professional development.
Looking ahead, Shulga’s combination of size, skill, and competitive résumé positions him as a long-term project for the Celtics organization. With a two-way arrangement in place and a clear pathway to NBA minutes, his 2025 transition from college star to professional player marks the beginning of what the franchise hopes will be a sustained NBA career.
