What Xavier Booker's Return Means for UCLA

Projecting Xavier Booker's impact for the 2026-27 season.

Mar 14, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins center Xavier Booker (1) reacts after making a three point basket against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

UCLA received a significant boost today after re-signing several players from the 2025-26 season.

The most notable name among the three — Eric Freeny, Brandon Williams, and Xavier Booker — is Booker himself. With Booker returning to UCLA, the Bruins now have one key piece of what could become a very strong core, especially if Trent Perry and Eric Dailey Jr. also decide to return next season.

Strengths & Projected Role

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Xavier Booker (1) reacts against the UConn Huskies in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Last season, Xavier Booker averaged 20.1 minutes, 7.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 54.7% from the field and an impressive 43.3% from beyond the arc. While his overall impact was somewhat limited due to inconsistent minutes throughout the season, it was clear Booker began to gain momentum as the year progressed.

What makes Booker so fascinating — and why he could be such an important piece for UCLA next season — is his scoring ability. Standing at 6-foot-11, Booker’s ability to stretch the floor and shoot efficiently from beyond the arc makes him a valuable offensive weapon.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Xavier Booker (1) makes a pass against the UCF Knights in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Next season, Booker is expected to primarily play forward for UCLA, which should give him more freedom across the court and allow him to lean further into his offensive strengths rather than being relied upon defensively as a center. However, if UCLA cannot secure a true center through the transfer portal, Booker could once again find himself playing that role.

Drawbacks

Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins center Xavier Booker (1) defends Michigan State Spartans forward Cameron Ward (3) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

There are still a few drawbacks to Booker returning next season. While his return is undoubtedly good news, his current skill set limits him from being a traditional interior presence — something UCLA still needs in today’s era of college basketball.

Looking at Booker’s numbers, his 3.5 rebounds per game are not enough to significantly impact the Bruins on the glass. As UCLA’s tallest player — and at times its starting center — Booker likely needs to average at least six rebounds per game to make a stronger presence inside.

UCLA center Xavier Booker (1) looks on before a play against Michigan State during the first half of Big Ten tournament quarterfinal at United Center in Chicago on Friday, March 13, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Earlier in the season, Booker’s impact was also limited by his playing time. At times, he was pulled from games due to lapses in defensive effort. However, following his four-block performance against UCF in the NCAA Tournament, the narrative surrounding his defensive potential began to shift.

Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA forward Xavier Booker (1) tangles up with Illinois forward Ben Humrichous (3) under the basket during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

It will be interesting to see how much Booker develops next season. One thing is clear: UCLA has a versatile big man with star potential. If the Bruins can properly complement him with additional talent through the transfer portal, Booker could become one of the most important players on the roster.