Michigan's Sweet 16 defeat doesn't take away from Vladislav Goldin-Danny Wolf combo

The game of college basketball differs from its NBA counterpart in that there is still a place for the big man. That's not to say high-paced play and deep-shooting hasn't entered the college game as well, but size can be the differentiating factor when not everyone is playing at a professional level.

Michigan was a great example of that this season. The Wolverines made a run to the Sweet 16 thanks in large part to their duo of seven-footers, junior Danny Wolf and senior Vladislav Goldin — the latter of whom followed head coach Dusty May from FAU.

Not only did the Wolverines have the duo's size to their advantage, but each big man was incredibly skilled at all aspects of the game. 

Wolf, who transferred from Yale, averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game this season for Michigan. He shot 33.6% from behind the three-point line as well. Goldin averaged 16.6 points and seven rebounds a game and he averaged 60.7% shooting from the field during the season.

They were a unique and sometimes unstoppable pair, and according to May after Michigan's 78-65 loss to Auburn in the Sweet 16. it's because Wolf and Goldin bought into the idea of playing together.

“Number one, I credit them,” May said after the game, according to On3. “They bought into a vision, and sometimes it’s hard to buy into something that’s not seen, that you can’t see. Also, they worked. They wanted to figure out solutions. They wanted to figure out the best way to do it, and it starts with just getting really quality people that are good at basketball and then figure out a way to make it work."

For Goldin, the opportunity resulted in a tremendous season. The Wolverines were cut down in the Sweet 16 by the No. 1 seed in the South Region, but there was something special about Michigan's duo. 

You had to tune in to see them in action.

“I loved every single minute I played with Danny,” said Goldin. “He’s obviously a great player. It’s been fun. We did something that not many people do, and we did something that me personally, I haven’t done before. I think I learned a lot playing by the side with him.”

Wolf scored 20 with six rebounds against Auburn, but Goldin was held to just 10 points (nine rebounds) on 2-of-9 shooting from the field.

The pair was undoubtedly outshined by Auburn senior big man Johni Broome, who notched 22 points and 16 rebounds.