Xavier Booker's Role in UCLA's March Madness Prospects UCLA has finalized its starting lineup for the 2026 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament, featuring Skyy Clark, Trent Perry, Tyler Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr., and Donovan Dent. While a strong starting five is essential, the Bruins’ success in the tournament will depend heavily on their bench depth, particularly the contributions of junior center Xavier Booker. As a key rotational player, Booker’s ability to step up in high-stakes games could determine how far UCLA advances. This is Booker’s first season with UCLA after transferring from Michigan State, where he spent his first two years of college. A former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Booker brings a unique skill set for a 6-foot-11 big man. His offensive versatility allows for a high scoring ceiling, but his defensive consistency has been a concern, especially against physical opponents. Despite these challenges, Booker has delivered his best collegiate season to date, averaging 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 25 starts. He has also become the most utilized bench player on the roster, logging the most minutes among UCLA’s non-starters. Head coach Mick Cronin has acknowledged Booker’s progress, emphasizing his work ethic and adaptability. “It’s the hardest thing to teach, and that’s motor. He’s got a little bald guy chasing him up and down the court in practice,” Cronin said, highlighting Booker’s dedication to improving his competitiveness. While Booker’s offensive output lags behind Bilodeau’s team-leading 17.6 points per game, his efficiency stands out. He leads the Bruins in field goal percentage, shooting 55% from the field, and has shown flashes of dominance in critical matchups.#ucla #mick_cronin #xavier_booker #ncaa_men_s_college_basketball_tournament #donovan_dent
