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

2. Indiana Hoosiers

As the in-state local option, the Hoosiers have just about everything to offer for a prospect like Booker. They’re a prestigious program with a great history and can remain close to home. And from a roster standpoint, they’re set to lose starting forward Race Thompson and likely star big man Trayce Jackson-Davis after next season.

Indiana will be rebuilding after next year which presents both an opportunity for immediate playing time and a large role early on offense, but also a less likelihood of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament unless some of the returning pieces can become stars of their own. Yet that’s a small “potential” negative against a lot of potential positives for the prospect to consider.

1. Michigan State Spartans

Head coach Tom Izzo has been criticized by Spartan fans for a lack of activity in the transfer portal this offseason, especially at the center position to replace Marcus Bingham and Julius Marble. But what if the plan wasn’t to add anyone this year and focus solely on landing Booker in the 2023 class?

That would be a risk but one that could pay off in a big way. They currently have Mady Sissoko and incoming freshman Jaxon Kohler to play center, as well as both Malik Hall and Joey Hauser at the power forward spot. Assuming those two are gone, Booker could easily form a 3-man rotation with the centers and play at the four-spot, just like former Spartan and current Memphis Grizzlie Jaron Jackson Jr.

There’s plenty of potential playing time for Xavier Booker at Michigan State and he can play for a Hall of Famer in Coach Izzo. And with Jeremy Fears already committed to the 2023 class, a big like Booker with his two-way potential would be a big boost to the program. His recruitment is heating up so let’s see if the Spartans can win what will be a big regional battle.