NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 8 teams in play for 2023 big Xavier Booker

4. Purdue Boilermakers

The Boilermakers have a lengthy history with big men as well, with Zach Edey as the latest example. He’s primed to have an offensive breakout campaign and could be a pro prospect after next season. If that happens, their odds may improve with Booker.

However, the team has a four-star freshman prospect in William Berg, who could very well be the next Purdue star center. And with Caleb Furst and Trey Kaufman-Renn set to have larger roles at the power forward spot, Booker may have to wait his turn before starting as well.

3. Duke Blue Devils

Even after Tyrese Proctor reclassified from the 2023 class to play next season, Duke still has the No. 1 overall recruiting class to this point. They have four commitments, all of which are on the perimeter. So they’re likely adding one big man and their sights are reportedly on Booker. If he picks them, the Blue Devils could probably wrap up the class very early.

The only concern is whether or not incoming five-star freshman Kyle Filipowski is a “one and done” player or not. If he is along with Dereck Lively, that opens up the center position to someone like Booker. If not, then the recruit in question would likely have to come off the bench and you never know what the 2024 class could bring that would affect Booker the year after. But they’re definitely the top threat outside the Midwest.