Ukrainian basketball star Max Shulga: ‘The game is my getaway, my outlet’

Thousands of blue and yellow Ukrainian flags waved proudly inside the Stuart C Siegel Center during Virginia Commonwealth University’s final home game of the regular season, all in honor of Max Shulga.

The gesture on senior night meant a great deal to Shulga, making him feel at home in Richmond, Virginia despite being far from his native Ukraine, as the country continues to experience unrest three years following Russia’s invasion.

“It’s been all love since I transferred here [from Utah State] two years ago,” Shulga says. “I see it every game, and everywhere out here in Richmond. I really appreciate it and it shows a lot about our fanbase. It’s just one big family, and everybody supports each other.”

With his immediate family members still residing in Kyiv, the entire VCU community has found meaningful ways to show solidarity for Shulga, from chanting “Slava Ukraini,” a salute that translates to “Glory to Ukraine,” to preparing a meal that reminds him of home.