East Lansing, Mich. – Former Michigan State forward Xavier Booker received a warm reception upon his return to the Breslin Center on Tuesday night as a member of the UCLA Bruins, a testament to the positive relationships he forged during his two seasons with the Spartans. The game, which saw Michigan State defeat UCLA 82-59, was marked by a display of sportsmanship from the Michigan State fanbase, something both Booker and head coach Tom Izzo acknowledged and appreciated.
The atmosphere surrounding Booker’s return was a focal point, with many wondering how the crowd would react to a player who transferred to a rival program. However, fans largely showed their gratitude for Booker’s contributions to the team, letting him know they were thankful for his time in the green and white. This positive response was a deliberate effort, according to Izzo, who encouraged the fanbase to extend a welcoming gesture.
“I thought our fans and our student section did a great job,” Izzo said, as reported by Michigan State Spartans on SI. “Sometimes, when a player comes back, they’re real jerks. I tried to put it out there that I didn’t want that, and our people did a phenomenal, phenomenal job of that.”
A Respectful Departure and a Positive Return
Izzo emphasized that Booker’s departure from Michigan State was handled with integrity, a factor that contributed to the welcoming atmosphere. He contrasted Booker’s situation with the increasing trend of “poaching and tampering” in college athletics, highlighting the respect shown by all parties involved – Booker, his family, and UCLA head coach Mick Cronin.
“And he [Booker] deserved it, since, like I said, there’s a lot of people that depart places, and it’s a mess. His wasn’t. It was done the right way. His parents came in, you know. Unlike this poaching and tampering we’ve got, that thing was solid as a rock, and I appreciated that about him and about his mom and dad and the way [UCLA head coach] Mick [Cronin] handled it,” Izzo stated.
Booker himself expressed his appreciation for the reception he received, acknowledging the emotions he felt returning to East Lansing and reconnecting with former teammates and the fans. “The emotions, they were definitely there, especially sharing all the memories I had here,” Booker said to WILX’s Owen Oszust. “Especially with my teammates and the relationships I built. It definitely felt good to be back out there again, especially feeling the love from the fans, too.”
Booker Reflects on His Time at Michigan State
The return to East Lansing wasn’t just about the game; it was a moment for Booker to reflect on his time with the Spartans and the impact the program had on his development as a player and a person. The positive interaction with the fans underscored the strong bonds he formed during his two seasons at Michigan State.
The game against Michigan State marked a significant moment in Booker’s career, allowing him to showcase his skills against the team he once represented. While UCLA ultimately fell short, the experience was clearly meaningful for Booker, who valued the opportunity to reconnect with the community that supported him early in his collegiate journey. WILX provided further coverage of Booker’s reflections on the game and his relationship with Tom Izzo.
Looking Ahead
The interaction between Booker and the Michigan State fanbase serves as a positive example of sportsmanship and respect in college athletics. As Booker continues his career at UCLA, he will carry with him the memories and lessons learned during his time with the Spartans. The next scheduled game for UCLA is February 24th against Oregon State.
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