UNC Recruiting Prospect Profile: Devin Booker
With the 2013 recruiting class almost being wrapped up, the 2014 class is continuing in full force. Roy Williams has made it clear that the main focus of this class will be the guard and wing positions. Another two guard has been evaluated and in the mix. His name is Devin Booker. Devin Booker stands at about 6’4 and weighs in at 180. He is quick on his feet and can shoot as well as get to the basket. The main question with the guards is who will receive the next offer? Theo Pinson is the lone offer for the position but Theo alone isn’t the main focus. Devin Booker has the skill and fits the UNC profile, he may just be one of the next players offered.
Jan 10, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels mascot is held up by the students in the first half at the Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Devin Booker hails from Moss Point Mississippi where he is a junior playing varsity for Moss Point senior high school. First off, I love that the kid still plays for his hometown high school. Now a days young players are getting scholarships and are playing for different prep schools. I am not arguing that the development isn’t better and that it can help their draft stock in the future, I just think it is awesome that the kids want to stay home and will play locally even though the competition isn’t as suffice. Both UNC commits Isaiah Hicks and Kennedy Meeks also chose to stay at home. Part of Devin Bookers talent and reason to stay home came from his father former Missouri Tiger and professional basketball player Melvin Booker. Like father like son Devin has the talent and skill set of Melvin at that level but will surpass him if he has not already. Booker is a smart kid who is the type of player that coaches love: smart, disciplined and coach able, who wouldn’t want to see him in Carolina blue?
To compare to a Tar Heel right now Booker has the same body a Dexter Strickland coming in to school. With Devin Booker, imagine Dexter Strickland’s game with a WAYYYY better shot, now that’s scary. Booker seems lankier than most 6’4 guards (6’7 wingspan) which gives defenders trouble. With his combination of his speed and arm length he is able to get to the basket and and finish softly around the rim. Booker’s shooting ability allows him to shoot from long range, much like past Heels Wayne Ellington and Rashad McCants. Booker’s game would be an asset to any team in the nation.
Even without an offer the Tar Heels are high on his list with schools such as Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Florida, and Duke. Booker currently holds offers from Michigan, Florida, and Missouri. Booker hasn’t taken an official yet but has one scheduled March 2nd to Florida. Before his visit, Booker plans to visit UNC the 23rd while the Tar Heels play the Wolfpack in the Dean Dome. From that visit, Roy may or may not offer it is yet to be decided. All of the guards that have interest from the Tar Heels are very capable to fit in the system. All us as fans know is that whoever Coach Williams does end up offering, he knows best. All I know is don’t expect Theo Pinson to be the only offer at the position, Roy doesn’t like prospects to hold out and prefers getting commitments earlier in the process. If he does or doesn’t offer I would be happy with Devin Booker in Carolina Blue.