The NCAA tournament is about basketball but also so much more: the parents, fans, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The Sweet 16/Elite 8 are taking place in 4 cities around the country and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD is covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of access in the days ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage from Atlanta with some Michigan State locker room interviews.
JR F Jaxon Kohler
2 of your nicknames are “The Big Footwork” and “Baby Jokic”: which 1 do you like the most? They are both great.
You watched highlights of Hakeem Olajuwon as a kid and wrote down his post moves step-by-step in a journal before practicing them: what did you learn from Olajuwon? He taught me that you do not need to be basic. You can get creative just by working on your footwork, spin moves, the step-through, etc.
You got to talk to LeBron James after being named to the all-tournament team at the Battle US event in 2021: how was that “once-in-a-lifetime experience”? I met him through AAU ball, and he was a great supporter. He taught me how to look at the details and has really helped my basketball IQ.
You are the 1st player from Utah to play at Michigan State: what made you choose the Spartans? Tom Izzo’s resume/career/reputation. He has the ability to turn a high school kid into a college basketball man.
What do you know about Mississippi? They are very strong, mentally/physically tough, and a good team.
SO F Xavier Booker
In 2023 you were named a McDonald’s All-American: which of your fellow honorees are you closest to? My teammate Jeremy Fears: he is my roommate and we still play on the same team.
Coach Tom Izzo has made 27 consecutive NCAA tournaments, which is the most in men’s college basketball history: what makes him such a great coach? He does a great job of keeping us level-headed and not letting distractions get in the way.
Your team’s 27.8 3P% allowed is #1 in the nation: what is the secret to playing great perimeter defense? You must know your opponent’s personnel/tendencies, so we spend a lot of time watching film.
Your team is also top-25 in the nation with 77.6 FT%: how crucial has your FT shooting been in March? It has been a big help all year long. Our coach has emphasized it since last summer, especially late in games.
What do you know about Mississippi? They are tough. The SEC is a great conference and we are not taking them lightly so we will just keep watching film.
Check back for a lot more access all week long!
