Final play call proves Tom Izzo finally trusts Xavier Booker

Tom Izzo drew up a play in the final minute for Xavier Booker and the team was fully on board. This was a huge developmental sign.

With a minute to play in the 67-62 loss to Purdue, Michigan State basketball was down three with the ball. Tom Izzo called timeout to draw up a play, knowing he needed something special to tie this game up. And who did he turn to? None other than freshman Xavier Booker.

The storyline doesn’t get any better than that. Sure Booker missed the shot (although it was halfway down) and Michigan State went on to lose the game, but how ironic that of all players to turn to, he chose Booker.

Tom Izzo finally trusts Xavier Booker

One of the biggest storylines this season has been Xavier Booker’s lack of playing time. It made sense at first, but Booker began to shine in the brief moments he played. However, it still wasn’t enough for him to earn more playing time.

That however has all changed and Booker is officially part of the rotation. Not only is he part of the rotation, but he was entrusted to take a big shot late in a one possession game. Tom Izzo spoke about this play call and how his team reacted to Booker getting his number called.

Izzo called the play to get Booker that shot with a minute left down 3. He missed it, but Izzo loved the no-hesitation shot and the support Booker had from his teammates: “There wasn’t a guy that said ‘Are you sure?’ That was pretty cool.”

— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) March 15, 2024

Not only did Izzo choose to draw a play up for Booker, but the entire team was fully on board. Izzo could have gone to veterans like Tyson Walker or Malik Hall, and maybe even AJ Hoggard would’ve made more sense, but he chose to give Booker a chance.

Even though the shot didn’t fall, this play is a huge moment for Booker’s development. This shows that Booker has officially arrived in Izzo’s eyes. Izzo only plays guys in close games that he trusts, and he hasn’t been able to trust Booker much this year. But now, in the biggest game of the year, down three points with one minute to go, he drew up a play for his talented freshman.

Booker’s development has been extremely fun to watch this year. Yes, it’s been frustrating at times, but it’s finally hitting a point where Izzo trusts him. And now that Booker has Izzo’s trust, the sky is the limit.