Xavier Booker is finally right where he belongs — in the middle. The 6-foot-11 former McDonald’s All-American struggled to find his place at Michigan State, often hanging out on the perimeter and launching threes instead of using his size around the basket. In two years with the Spartans, he averaged just 4.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game.
Now at UCLA, Xavier Booker is getting a fresh start at center after transferring to fill the spot left by Aday Mara. Bruins coach Mick Cronin wasted no time telling him the job description: protect the rim, run the floor, finish strong.
“You’ve got to be one of the best mobile big guys in pick-and-roll basketball,” Cronin said. “If all you do is shoot threes, you saw where that got him at Michigan State.”
Booker agrees the switch is best for his future.
“I’m 6-11 with long arms, I can catch lobs, block shots, run the floor,” he said. “Playing the five is going to help me long term.”
It hasn’t been easy. He’s had to adjust to the constant contact inside, battling teammates like Steven Jamerson II in practice. To prepare, Booker added weight — going from 242 pounds to 250 — while working with strength coach Dave Andrews.
Cronin says the progress is showing. “It’s all starting to come together,” Booker added.
While Xavier Booker won’t abandon his outside shot entirely, he knows his bread and butter is rim running, defense, and playing above the rim. Cronin even calls him one of the fastest big men in the country.
Teammates have noticed the difference too.
“He’s super long, super athletic, and he can do a little bit of everything,” guard Skyy Clark said. “He’s a tough matchup.”
Even Michigan State coach Tom Izzo admitted he didn’t maximize Booker’s potential. Now at UCLA, with a bigger role and a clearer identity, Xavier Booker has the chance to become more than just an “X” factor.
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