Former Michigan State forward Xavier Booker will have a new role under Mick Cronin at UCLA. The 6’11” big man, who transferred to the Bruins in April 2025, will move from power forward to center within UCLA’s system. And that shuffle is also a massive strategic shift for the player and the program.
Xavier Booker’s Transition Marks New Chapter at UCLA
It’s a move everyone anticipated and followed Booker’s disappointing two-year run with the Spartans, where he couldn’t carve out consistent playing time despite being a former five-star recruit. Booker played in 60 games over two seasons at Michigan State but started only five, averaging 4.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 11.2 minutes a game.
“And in talking to the UCLA staff, the biggest thing they showed me when I talked to them about Xavier Booker transition to UCLA was the switch in his position,” CBS Sports college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein said on the “Eye on College Basketball” show. “He played straight power forward for Tom Izzo and he’s lancing. He will be now the five man playing in more space for Mick Cronin in UCLA.”
Booker, who previously played as a power forward at Michigan State, will transition to playing center (“the five man”) in a more spacious system under UCLA head coach Mick Cronin.
Booker’s statistical progression at Michigan State gradually improved from his freshman to sophomore seasons. He increased his scoring from 3.8 to 4.7 points per game while playing more minutes (9.6 to 12.8 per game).
His career-high 18-point performance against Oakland in December 2024 demonstrated his offensive potential when given extended playing time.
The position change makes sense given Booker’s physical attributes and skill set. He has the size and mobility to anchor UCLA’s frontcourt. His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting (27.3% career) aligns with modern center requirements.
Cronin values defensive tenacity and floor spacing in his system, which should fit into Booker’s development. The UCLA coach has proven a track record of getting the most out of his big men.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo regretted not maximizing Booker’s abilities, taking responsibility for the player’s limited impact. “I failed,” Izzo admitted, acknowledging his inability to unlock Booker’s potential.
Booker is projected to be UCLA’s starting center in 2025-26, receiving more responsibilities for the Bruins than he had at Michigan State. Moving to his natural position in the pivot while learning under Cronin’s well-regarded system seems certain to allow the highly-touted prospect’s talent to flourish.
