There is yet another positive Xavier Booker update
The offseason can be kind to Michigan State basketball players every now and then. Sometimes specific players stand out in the offseason and showcase massive growth that leads fans to predict breakout campaigns. And this time around, that player is Xavier Booker.
The 6-foot-11 soon-to-be sophomore big man didn't play a ton as a true freshman, but Tom Izzo did warn fans at the beginning of the season that he was raw and would need some time.
Patience wasn't Michigan State fans' strong suit, however, as the center position remained a nightmare throughout the season and Booker sat at the end of the bench just waiting for a chance. He finally got it near the end of the year and didn't disappoint. He got better throughout the season and really ended on a high note.
Now, entering his sophomore season, the former five-star center is working hard to make sure he can't be kept on the bench for long by Izzo.
It's already been documented that he's gained weight and according to Chris Solari, he's up to 243 pounds and possibly grew another inch (to 7-foot-0 maybe?) and he spent some time this summer working out with the best NBA player in the world, LeBron James, and his son, Bronny.
Just caught up with Xavier Booker at @iammoneyball. MSU sophomore up to 242 pounds, looks like he maybe even grew an inch. Got to work out with LeBron and Bronny James during the predraft process as well. Ball-handling development evident, and he’s learning to use his new weight.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) July 10, 2024
Booker is clearly working hard to get to a good spot mentally and physically and when you get a chance to work out with LeBron -- as well as former Spartan star Jaren Jackson Jr. -- you're going to grow rapidly. Not many young basketball players get that opportunity.
If he gets comfortable in his new body, he could be one of the most dominant bigs in college basketball next season.
Sophomore leap incoming.