MADISON, Wis. — The University of Michigan has dubbed its new duo of towering players as “Area 50-1.” This moniker was revealed on social media on Tuesday night after Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf showcased impressive performances in a tightly contested 67-64 win against No. 11 Wisconsin, marking the start of the Big Ten season.
Goldin sports the number 50 on his jersey while Wolf wears the number 1. Both players transferred to Michigan this season, adding significant height and skill to the Wolverines’ frontcourt. The team took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to quip, “We’ve got some ALIENS in our front court. Do not enter the paint.”
Their strong showing signals Michigan’s desire to rebound from a disappointing 8-24 season and compete in the Big Ten under the guidance of their new head coach, Dusty May. Goldin remarked on the progress of the team, noting, “We’re a fairly new team, but I feel like we made huge steps forward in playing together and learning each other.” Goldin made the move to Michigan after previously playing at Florida Atlantic, where he was part of their 2023 Final Four squad.
Goldin delivered a standout performance against Wisconsin, achieving a career-best 24 points and scoring the last six points of the match with three consecutive baskets. Wolf, who transferred from Yale, contributed significantly as well, tallying 20 points along with seven rebounds, five assists, five blocks—a personal record—and three steals. Coach May praised Wolf’s versatility, stating, “He really is a guard in a 7-footer’s body — the way he dribbles, the way he shoots it, the way he can create space.” This victory marks the Wolverines’ sixth consecutive win.
Despite their skills, Goldin and Wolf required time to develop chemistry on the court. Goldin had averaged 15.7 points per game during his final season at Florida Atlantic but only breached double figures once in his initial six games at Michigan. Wolf also had a period where he recorded just 19 points over three games.
Reflecting on their experiences, Wolf commented, “I think it always goes back to our coaches’ trust in us. We definitely had a few rough games collectively, and other guys stepped up for us to help us win. Through all of that, Coach has stuck with us.” Their turning point occurred last week during a dominating 78-53 victory against then-No. 22 Xavier, where Wolf scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while Goldin contributed 18 points. This game demonstrated their ability to create mismatches in terms of size and skill on the court.
In the match against Wisconsin, both Goldin and Wolf outperformed the opposing 7-footers, Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter. Goldin and Wolf combined for a staggering 44 of Michigan’s 67 points, with Wolf frequently finding Goldin for easy buckets in crucial moments. In contrast, Crowl managed only two points and four rebounds in under 22 minutes before fouling out, while Winter added eight points and five rebounds.
Winter acknowledged their experience, stating, “They’re both vets. They’ve been around doing this a while. Their games really complement each other well.” He noted that their unique styles caused problems for the defense, praising their effective execution.
With their impressive debut in the Big Ten, Goldin and Wolf have not only established their skills but also earned a quirky nickname, setting the stage for what could be an exciting season for Michigan basketball.