I knew Booker had been skyrocketing this summer, but what immediately stood out was just how well a player this young at his size could handle the basketball.
I was more familiar with some of the other top prospects and having watched their videos first and what became apparent immediately was Booker was the guy with star potential. There is little question in my mind now he has star potential with his 7-5 wingspan and skills. He even stepped back and hit a few threes.
The stats I was able to find indicate he didn’t play much as a junior which would explain being off the radar some coming into the AAU games this summer, but he was highly productive averaging 12.5ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.3bpg in only 18.9 minutes. I have no clue why he wasn’t playing nor do I care if he was that awesome when he did play. What is so hopeful is he made 36-101 threes at 36% and shot 74% from the foul line both on good volume considering the low minutes he was playing.
He was also 61% on 2-point FGs and even had a low foul rate. The only thing that stood out a little in the stats as a negative was 2.0 turnovers vs 1.4 assists. Two turnovers for a big in only 19 minutes a game is high, but I take that as he was trying to generate some offense which probably isn’t the worst thing at his age and size either. Even as a low-minute guy he was trying to do a lot when he was on the court.
He projects as a player that can impact the floor on both ends. The way he is on fire rising now I think is another indication you will want to get on the train and hope the improvement doesn’t slow down any time soon. You like to see this kind of trajectory and leaps. He was probably always one of the best guys, It just seems he was being hidden away on his HS team playing 19 minutes a game. There is still a lot of room to grow his game and physically. Even the fact he is a lefty should be a small advantage that helps him.
I’ve heard the Anthony Davis comparisons and that’s probably a good comp for how his game projects, but the build is more Kevin Durant-like to my eye. That’s who he physically reminded me of more with some of the ball handling and more narrow shoulders than Davis, granted he’s already a lot bigger and stronger than Durant was at that age. The shooting is already pretty solid for his age and size. If the shooting levels up watch out.
Booker had a somewhat disappointing senior season. He was still playing low amounts of minutes (23.6 minutes) for a top prospect. He was highly productive at least in the short stints averaging 15ppg 9rpg and 2bpg while shooting 70% on 2-point FGs. That was great, and I do believe in bigger minutes he would have continued to put up crazy numbers. The disappointing aspect was his 3-point shooting regressed from his junior year dropping from 36% on solid volume for his minutes (36-100) to 24% as a senior. More troubling was the free throw shooting which was 74% as a junior and over 70% as a sophomore as well dropped to 52%. I?m not ready to write him off as a shooter yet given he has shot much better before, but it was a step back.
I still believe he has the most upside in this class with the handle at his size, defensive potential, and rebounding. He needs to gain weight but with a 7?5? wingspan he does things I haven?t seen other players doing at his size. He?s aggressive when he?s in the game, and you don?t put up numbers like that if you aren?t per minute. He?s shot well before and I expect him to regain his shooting form. I especially expect this at the free line where he had a long history of being a 70+% shooter. He?s going to play for one of the best college coaches ever who I think will use him like Jarren Jackson Jr.. The frame is more Kevin Durant-like at this point, but even Durant got up to 240 pounds and I think Booker will eventually. He?s a contender for the top spot.
Tom Izzo has I believe has the highest upside freshman coming in this season in Xavier Booker. We have him mocked as the 3rd pick in the 2024 draft, much higher than others. It?s possible that he?s to skinny to make the kind of impact you would expect a recruit ranking this high to make. I also think Izzo is a great coach that will get what he can out of him. He has Jarren Jackson Jr potential especially if he can gain some weight at a college training table. Booker had a disappointing high school senior year by his standards but has a 7-5 wingspan and shot 36% from three as a Junior, 74% FT?s. There are tools to work with.
In the realm of basketball, talent knows no bounds, and every now and then, a young prodigy emerges, capturing the attention of fans and scouts alike. One such rising star in the basketball world is Xavier Booker, an exceptional athlete whose remarkable skills and unwavering dedication have made him a force to be reckoned with. In this article, we delve into the story of Xavier Booker, his journey, and the immense potential that has experts buzzing about his future in the sport.
Early Beginnings Xavier Booker’s love for basketball blossomed at an early age. Born and raised in a small town, he spent countless hours honing his skills on the neighborhood courts. His passion and natural abilities were evident from the start, catching the eye of local coaches and enthusiasts who recognized his exceptional talent.
Playing Style and Strengths Xavier Booker’s game is a testament to his versatility and dedication. Standing at an impressive height with a strong and athletic build, he possesses the physical attributes that give him an edge over opponents. Booker’s offensive arsenal is diverse, including a deadly outside shot, an explosive first step, and a knack for finishing at the rim. Moreover, his defensive skills and basketball IQ make him a formidable presence on both ends of the court.
Projections and NBA Potential Booker’s meteoric rise has inevitably fueled speculation about his future in the NBA. Experts and scouts believe that his unique skill set, combined with his work ethic and determination, make him a prime candidate for success at the professional level. With his ability to impact games and adapt to different roles, Booker has the potential to become a valuable asset to any NBA team. Many predict that he will be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft, with the potential to make an immediate impact on the court.
Conclusion
Xavier Booker’s journey from a small-town basketball enthusiast to a highly sought-after prospect is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. As he continues to make waves in the basketball world, the anticipation surrounding his future is palpable. Whether it be on the college court or in the NBA, Booker’s skills and charisma make him a standout athlete and an inspiration to aspiring basketball players worldwide. As fans, we eagerly await the next chapter in Xavier Booker’s remarkable basketball odyssey.
