The VCU guard’s thoughts are often on the conflict back in his home country but he has been cheered by the support he has received from his team and fans

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.