NCAA Basketball: Ranking the finalists for 5-star class of 2023 big Xavier Booker

When it comes to frontcourt players, there are usually a few that rise exponentially up the NCAA Basketball recruiting rankings. So far in the July evaluation period, that player has been Xavier Booker, a 6’11 big man from Indianapolis, Indiana that has gone from a consensus top-100 prospect to now in the five-star range.

In fact, 247sports alone has Booker in the top 10 overall. He’s become one of the best two-way players in the 2023 class. He’s a quality offensive player, capable of scoring both inside and outside on the three-point line. Booker has good post moves inside and is a good rebounder and uses his size and frame to have an impact defensively.

There are several big men who either are elite scorers or defenders but few can claim both. And now with top-5 overall prospect GG Jackson reclassifying to play next season for North Carolina, Booker has the chance to make the case that he’s one of the best frontcourt players in the 2023 recruiting class.

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After some great performances at the Peach Jam this past week, Booker has now put out a list of finalists for his services. Some aren’t a surprise at all on who made the cut but for now, everyone is still in the race.

Which of these programs offers the most for Booker in terms of both playing time and being competitive as a postseason contender? Here are my thoughts on the potential fit of each option in contention.