'23 Carey Booth brings energy, shooting, and high major offers

One of the biggest stock-risers from the first live period was Carey Booth. The 6-foot-10 junior forward showcased a three-point range and rim protection, which is a very valued commodity.

“I’m trying to be the guy who brings the energy to the floor,” Booth told On3. “I can shoot, but I want that to be the last thing people talk about. I want to be active on the boards, block shots and do the other stuff that brings energy to the game and helps my teammates out. I’m playing with more physicality now, and I am a high-level shooter; it’s really tightened up. I watch a lot of Evan Mobley and Anthony Davis. They have similar bodies and frames to me; I watch how they impact the game on defense.”

Playing with the KC Run GMC program on the UAA circuit, coaches were lined up to watch each of his games. On3 caught up with Carey Booth during the weekend to see where his recruitment stood before the impending blowup.

“Coming into this weekend, I heard a lot from Stanford, Minnesota, and Penn State. I have not taken any visits yet. I plan to take my junior year visits, but not sure who will get them yet; it will depend on who all comes in during the live period (editor’s note: Texas Tech, Xavier, Wake Forest, Northwestern, Marquette, Iowa, and Oklahoma State have all offered since the start of the live period).”

Booth talks recruitment

Stanford: “They are big on academics, so once they offered, I had to change my academic mindset and end this semester with three A’s and two B’s. They like how I can stretch the floor and how well I run the floor and my energy at my size.”

California: “They just offered, so I have not been able to do a lot with them, but when they offered, they talked about how much they love my game.”

Minnesota: “They like how I can stretch the floor, my shooting for a guy at my size. I know coach Ben Johnson and coach (Marcus) Jenkins. I watched some of their games this year; they started off strong. I think I can fit into how they play.”

Booth’s take

“I want to go somewhere where a coach will give you the freedom to play,” Booth said. “The freedom to play through mistakes. I want to be coached hard and develop as a player. Winning is big for me. I want to go somewhere that wins games.”

On3’s take

Carey Booth has a long and lanky frame with natural athleticism. He plays with a high motor, creating multiple chase-down and weakside blocks. Booth knocked down three or four threes in both games we watched; the release was consistent and high. Booth is still raw as he will need to continue tightening his ball skills and shot selection. He will also need to continue adding weight. However, the intrigue comes with his ability to knock down threes and protect the rim. Continue building on that, and there could be a long and productive career in store.