Overview
- UCLA visits Michigan State on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET (Peacock), marking Booker’s first game back in East Lansing since transferring.
- Izzo asked Spartans fans not to boo Booker, praising his character, academics and effort during two seasons in East Lansing.
- Booker has started 23 of 25 games for UCLA at center, averaging 7.2 points and 3.7 rebounds in about 20 minutes while shooting 55.3% from the field and 41.5% from three.
- His UCLA tenure has featured swings in playing time but also a career-high 24 points on 4-for-4 three-point shooting in a Feb. 3 win over Rutgers.
- Cronin moved Booker to the five after seeing success in a prior game at UNC, a shift both coaches view as better aligning with his long-term potential.