Xavier Booker shines in Michigan State basketball's first Spain exhibition

Michigan State basketball fans got a taste of what the 2024-25 team will look and play like on Thursday afternoon as the Spartans took the floor against the Madrid All-Stars.

It wasn't your typical Michigan State basketball game as the Spartans played four 10-minute quarters and finished with over 90 points, but it was a good sign for the offense. The defense, however, wasn't so good. They gave up 87 points in 40 minutes which obviously isn't ideal and that inflated number had a lot to do with poor perimeter defense.

Michigan State won 94-87 and the main reasons for the victory were Frankie Fidler's closing time heroics, Jeremy Fears Jr.'s terrific control at the point, and Xavier Booker's all-around game.

But I'm here to focus on Booker.

The sophomore big man was a focal point following his freshman season because more was expected from the former five-star. He opted to return to Michigan State for another year and fans were delighted because they saw his progress near the end of the season and they know his potential is through the roof.

Booker took it easy during the Moneyball Pro-Am as to not suffer an unnecessary injury, but he turned up his play against Madrid on Thursday afternoon, leading the team in scoring.

While an official number hasn't come out just yet, he likely broke the 20-point mark and he was efficient. He was making 3-pointers in transition, threes in the corner, and he even added a nice fadeaway jumper to his game. He was all over the floor and he looked like the player we all expected to see when he committed.

It's just one exhibition game against an overseas all-star team, but it's a good sign that Booker's motor isn't a concern and he can take over games if he needs to.