BASKETBALL

The Izzone erupts as Xavier Booker is announced a starter (video)

Can you tell it’s almost March?

Published

2 years ago

February 25, 2024

Chris Davis

Xavier Booker got his first start as a Spartan on Sunday evening against Ohio State and the Izzone went crazy.

Ahead of Sunday afternoons game against Ohio State, Tom Izzo announced that Xavier Booker would be making his first official start for the Spartans.

Even with the students on spring break, the Izzone is still packed and as loud as ever. However, the loudest moment was before the ball even tipped as Xavier Booker was announced to the Breslin Center as a starter.

That time when Xavier Booker was introduced as a starter. pic.twitter.com/MqICHbGi74

— David Harns (@DavidHarns) February 25, 2024

Michigan State fans have been asking for weeks to see more minutes for Booker. A part of this has been the underwhelming performance of Michigan State centers, Carson Cooper and Mady Sissoko. The other part is Booker representing a promising five star recruit with unknown potential.

With limited minutes throughout the season so far, there has been much speculation by fans, whether or not Booker would stay in East Lansing after this season. With the landscape of college sports now, it’s easier than ever for disgruntled players to move on.

This narrative started to take a backseat this past week as Booker stated his own agreement with Izzo’s plan for his development. While Sunday’s start for Booker is an encouraged and welcomed to sign, fans, still need to keep their expectations in check for now.

It’s a positive that he is seeing a bump in playing time ahead of March. While Booker started the game and put together an encouraging performance, Izzo still ultimately decided to close the game with Mady Sissoko. The disbursement of minutes at the center position will be one of the key factors in how far this team goes in March.