NJIT’s old-school big man with rim-protection roots
Vlad Shustov’s best-known NJIT season was 2014-15, when he led the Highlanders in rebounds per game (6.0) and was the team’s most reliable interior presence, also leading the team in blocks in 2015-16 with 7[6][10]. In the 2015-16 season, he averaged 2.8 points per game over his last eight games and shot 47.2% from the field, suggesting a low-usage but efficient frontcourt role[1][2]. The appeal: size, defensive instincts, and a willingness to do the dirty work; the caution flag: his impact has been more complementary than star-level, so he fits best as a depth big who can protect the paint and rebound.
