Michigan State signee Xavier Booker, "I'm coming soon"

When Xavier Booker committed to Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans, he was the highest-rated recruit Izzo had brought to Lansing, Michigan. The five-star center is currently No. 7 in the 2023 On3 Consensus.

He is the headliner of a Spartan class that ranks fifth in the 2023 On3 Team Rankings. Michigan State’s class also includes four-star point guard Jeremy Fears, four-star wing Gehrig Normand, and four-star forward Coen Carr.

It has been a while since we spoke with Xavier Booker, who chose Michigan State over a final group that also included Purdue, Gonzaga, Michigan, Indiana, Notre Dame, Oregon, Cincinnati, Auburn, and Ohio State. We caught up with him after watching a recent win at Flyin’ to the Hoop.

Xavier Booker

What can Michigan State fans expect from you?

Booker: “I’m versatile. I can play on the perimeter, around the rim, I can shoot the three ball, pick and pop, get to my post hook. I can do everything on the court; they can expect versatility.”

Throughout the recruiting process, what was Michigan State’s recruiting pitch to you?

Booker: “Coach (Tom) Izzo compared me to Jaren Jackson, Jr. a lot, and I definitely saw that comparison. I like how Coach Izzo kept it real with me. A lot of other schools just told me what I wanted to hear. Coach Izzo went to my games and would tell me what I needed to work on coming in as a freshman in college.”

What do you expect your role to be as a freshman?

Booker: “Definitely a four to start, a versatile four who can do a little bit of everything to help the team win.”

What are you most looking forward to, stepping foot on campus?

Booker: “Getting comfortable with the coaching staff and the team. Getting connected with the guys and building that. Just getting comfortable.”

Do you have a message for Spartan fans?

Booker: “I’m coming soon!”