Xavier Booker confirming his return to Michigan State basketball is huge

The Michigan State basketball came to a crashing end on Saturday evening with the Spartans losing 85-69 to North Carolina. It was a tough way to finish after such a promising start with an 18-point win over Mississippi State in the first round and a 12-point lead over the Tar Heels in the first half. But the inconsistent season is finally over.

It feels like Michigan State can finally start fresh.

And it got some good news shortly after the game as Xavier Booker told reporters that he's "definitely" coming back next season. That was the perfect way to kick off the offseason because there had been rumors that he would consider transferring because of his lack of playing time.

Clearly that didn't bother him. His minutes increased throughout the season as he gained confidence and he became one of the best 3-point shooters on the team as well as a guy who could grab the occasional offensive board and keep the offense flowing. He stretched the floor and made it easier for the guards to find open shooters or a clean lane.

With Booker announcing that he's coming back, he's likely locked into the starting power forward spot with the potential of Jaxon Kohler starting or (hopefully) Tom Izzo hitting the portal to find a transfer center. Izzo will have plenty of options in the portal and he needs to take advantage. I think he'll do that with needs on the wing and at the center spot.

All we know is that Booker is only going to get better and there's a good chance he'll be the Spartans' best player next season if he lives up to his potential. This is huge.