Michigan State basketball: Best-case scenario starting 5 for 2023-24

Forward/Center: Xavier Booker, Freshman

I think Mady Sissoko could be in this spot as well or Xavier Booker could be the four if Joey Hauser decides to move on (likely). But in the best-case scenario starting five, Hauser returns and Booker is here playing a forward/center hybrid role even though he’s more of a four than a five.

The 6-10, 205-pound center from Indianapolis figures to have a huge role on next year’s team and he could be the next one-and-done player for Tom Izzo.

Booker is an elite big man with the ability to score in the post and keep defenses on their toes with his length and touch around the rim. But he could afford to improve his defense. If he’s going to start in the post, even at center in this case, for the Spartans next year, he’ll have to add some muscle because guys like Zach Edey and Dain Dainja could eat him up.

I think we’ll see Booker become more of a shot-blocker under Izzo and his offensive presence down low is going to be a breath of fresh air after this season.

Plus, Jaxon Kohler is going to improve down there and become a true offensive threat off the bench.