Xavier Booker is evolving his offensive game

Xavier Booker came over to UCLA this offseason as a transfer from Michigan State. It was a welcome arrival as the Bruins were able to go back to a traditional starting lineup. Last year they ran a three guard and two forward set, with mainly small lineups. Aday Mara would come in sparingly to occupy the center spot. Mara looking for more of an opportunity transferred to Michigan in the portal period.

Booker was not known for being a good 3-point shooter at Michigan State. He shot 23.3% last year for the Spartans and couldn’t be counted on to make that shot. But his game has started to grow this year. Booker although it is a small sample size has shown he is able to hit that shot this year. He had two 3-point buckets against Arizona that were key for the Bruins.

Booker is not the traditional back to the basket center. He is an athletic player that has the ability to grow his shot. Using length and athleticism on defense to help block shots and rotate. That helps him against guards when there is switch help. You can get beat off the dribble but when you are that size you still have the ability to win the battle. Whether it is deflecting a pass, blocking a shot or just effecting a window of space from operating.

This team has an opportunity in the Big Ten this year to do damage. Booker will figure to be a big part of that as they start to turn the corner schedule wise. It’s a positive sign so far what he has been able to contribute, and he will only get more comfortable within this system. It all starts tonight with a matchup he should have the ability to dominate against Sacramento State.