Booker opens eyes over weekend

Over the weekend at the Southern Shootout in Atlanta, Ga., the South Carolina Celtics emerged as a team to watch this spring and summer with their solid play from all positions. One player that caught our attention was Trevor Booker, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound forward from Union (S.C.) High School. His name is starting to appear on schools' must-see lists already.

Playing in the post for the Celtics, Booker was a hard-working, do-whatever-it-takes kind of forward that worked well with both hands under the basket. He rebounded well and showed that he has some range on his shot. We said he had some Big East flavor to his game.

"That sounds pretty much like me," Booker agreed. "I just play like I play. I play the post for the Celtics but my high school coach will play me at the three out on the wing. I'd like to play more outside this summer. I've been working on my shot."

The Greenville-based program drove home relatively happy despite losing to the Atlanta Celtics in the championship game.

"Most of us were pretty happy about how we played," Booker said. "I thought we played really well against the Atlanta Celtics. They are one of the best teams in the nation and we did good against them. I think we liked what we did against them."

To date, a number of schools have starting the recruiting process with a fair share of mail. Clemson, Florida State, James Madison, Pitt, Purdue and Wofford (offer) have all made inquiries. However, one conference is standing out to the Palmetto State prospect.

"I'd love to play in the ACC. It's the biggest and best choice there is out there," Booker said. "I'd like to play close to home but if a school was far away and it was the best situation for me, I'd go there."

Booker averaged 15 points, 13 rebounds and five assists per game for Union, who advanced to the third round of the state playoffs before bowing out to the eventual state champions.