Despite mixed results for two seasons, Michigan State remains an institution in the NCAA. Proof of this is with the latest recruitment of the Spartans, who secure the arrival of Xavier Booker.
17-year-old power forward from the class of 2023, he is ranked in 3rd place you Top 100 the 247sportsonly behind DJ Wagner and Justin Edwards, recently signed to the Kentucky side.
But the most important thing to remember is that he is now the highest ranked rookie in the East Lansing program under the era of his legendary coach Tom Izzo, in office since 1995. The previous holder of this “ first place”, Jaren Jackson Jr, was 8th in the class of 2023 in the ranking of 247sports.
For the time being, Xavier Booker is above all a fleeing interior, comfortable in “catch-and-shoot” behind the arc. But his fascinating physical profile (2m10, wingspan that exceeds 2m25) suggests a significant margin of progress on the other side of the field, on the rebound and in the protection of the circle. On condition of gaining a few kilos, he who only points to 93kg at the moment, to hold the shock in the university rackets.
Courted, among other programs, by Indiana, Purdue, Michigan, Gonzaga or even Duke, Xavier Booker favored his relationship with Tom Izzo, with whom he forged ties throughout his recruitment process.
« What I remember from Michigan State is my relationship with Coach Izzo. I trust him to be my coach, and to guide me to the next level he said, before continuing more generally on his projection in the Spartans system. ” I manage to project myself into their system. Because here, the interiors have a certain freedom, they can have the ball in their hands and try things. They are not limited to this or that task. My strengths are shooting and dribbling, but I can also create for my teammates, do whatever it takes to help the team. And I know that here, I will not be limited. »
In the promotion of 2023 from Michigan State, Xavier Booker joins point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (#39), recent U17 champion with the United States, who notably shone in the final against Spain with 17 points and 6 assists.
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