Where does Xavier Booker fit into the 2026 UCLA Bruins roster?

Xavier Booker finished his first season with UCLA with a pretty good NCAA tournament. He averaged 14 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in the two games versus UCONN and UCF. Providing the team with a good boost as they were missing their leading scorer in Tyler Bilodeau. Booker battle inconsistencies this season as there were games that he would score in double digits and then would score zero. He seemed to show a boost in his game when he was moved to the bench.

Due to UCLA, battling many injuries as they went into the Big Ten tournament. Booker moved his way back into the starting lineup and had some good success. With the 2026 season now the next stop. Booker as long as he returns to UCLA figures to play a good role with the team. He is never going to be your traditional center that can play with his back to the basket. But he improved his 3-point shot and he is an athletic player that can roll to the basket well.

His rebound numbers will never be through the roof, but he has the opportunity to block a few shots per game with his athleticism. UCLA figures to play him at the center position in 2026 if he returns. With Skyy Clark, Trent Perry and Eric Freeny possibly in a three-guard set and Eric Dailey Jr. at the four position. You also have to think that Joe Philon could play a decent role coming in as a four-star recruit.

That lineup right there is decent enough to win some games. But they could still benefit from getting some talent in through the transfer portal. Especially if they want to make a run in the NCAA tournament. Over the next few weeks they should see who is going to enter the portal. Allowing UCLA, the opportunity to go out and get some players to replenish their roster. Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent’s 31 points per game will need to be replaced. Hopefully Booker can take another step and absorb some of those points as well.