Michigan State’s Xavier Booker gains the necessary weight

Booker has worked on several areas of his game during the offseason, which is crucial for a three-level scorer like him.

“The summer was great,” Booker said. “I’ve improved in every way, gotten stronger. I mean, I’ve learned to utilize the weight that I’ve gained, I’ve just learned to stand deeper, I’ve learned to score in the post … obviously shooting, increasing reps, I’ve just generally gotten better at my game.”

The extra weight will benefit Booker on both ends of the court, as he appears to be able to score on defense as well as down low.

“It definitely helps a lot (on defense),” Booker said. “I mean, it helps on offense too, when I’m in the post, I learn to crouch and use my weight.”

While weight made the biggest difference in Booker’s offseason development, there have also been mental improvements now that he has a full college basketball season under his belt.

“I mean, to be honest, I feel like I’ve always been pretty talented,” Booker said. “I know I’ve been capable of doing it, I’ve done (those) things. But honestly, I’m just more comfortable doing it. I mean, I’ve had a year under my belt now, and I feel a lot more comfortable going into next season.”

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