Xavier Booker showed shades of his Rutgers game versus Illinois in the win

Xavier Booker had another breakout game against Illinois. He went 7-8 from the field and had 16 points. It was his second-best game of the season behind his amazing game against Rutgers that he had a few weeks ago. A game in which he went 10-11 from the floor for 24 points. His contribution along with Eric Dailey Jr. were big in helping UCLA pull the overtime upset. Booker has been looking for consistency to build on this season.

Booker came over as a transfer from Michigan State this past offseason. There have been glimpses of him being a good starting center. But also, games where he does not have much of an impact in. Which has led to the inconsistency of him on offense. While trying to become consistent on defense, blocking shots and protecting the rim. UCLA needs his play as that is a weakness for them this season.

Aday Mara and William Kyle III hit the transfer portal after last season and found new homes. They’re two of the top shot blockers in the nation now. As UCLA is looking to replicate what those two are providing for their new teams. With the Bruins often losing the points in the paint battle. Booker is the best that they have to do so. He is an athletic center, that is not a traditional back to the basket guy. Using length to effect shots on defense and catch lobs on offense.

The Bruins decided to bring Booker off of the bench last night. Something that Mick Cronin did to try and spark something off of the bench. As the bench has not given a lot of production this season. Maybe that is what they needed and could be something they do going forward. Any type of production that you can get to give the starters some rest is huge. Maybe Booker is the guy to make it happen down the stretch.