Xavier Booker was one of four key transfers for the UCLA Bruins as he comes to Westwood from Michigan State. Booker will immediately slot into the center position as UCLA looks towards a more traditional starting lineup. This will help guys like Tyler Bilodeau and Eric Dailey Jr. not have to matchup against larger opponents and exert more energy on the defensive end. It is not stressed enough how much guarding the post can wear players down in a 40-minute game.
Mick Cronin will look to run an interchangeable set also including another transfer from the University of San Diego in Steven Jamerson II. This will keep guys fresh and provide different looks throughout the game on what is working best. Booker similar to Jamerson II has a good pick and roll game that he can use his athleticism in space to create.
Xavier Booker got 🆙 in OT with this one-handed slam 🙌#B1GMBBall x @MSU_Basketball pic.twitter.com/iJdNhXoqP3
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 28, 2024
Booker sometimes will get a little too comfortable shooting 3-pointers and not utilizing his game in between the lines. There are times he can make shots but overall, he shot 23.3% from 3-point range last season at Michigan State. UCLA has plenty of guys who shoot near 40% from 3-point range so Booker will be asked to do the work down on the blocks.
Up top to Xavier Booker for the JAM! 🙌 @MSU_Basketball making it known pic.twitter.com/j5hOwz5d3w
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 10, 2025
UCLA is in prime positon to make a deep run into March. Booker and Jamerson II will play large roles in helping the Bruins try and solve the power forward and center dilemma they had so much trouble with last season. Cronin and the staff have a good team built around them that can go eight guys deep. That will be integral as games slow down as the Bruins navigate a tough Big Ten and then into the tourney.