Devin Booker, one of the top shooting guards in the Class of 2014, has cut his list to a top five, he confirmed to Scout.com Monday.
As previously reported by SNY.tv., Booker is down to Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky, Missouri and Florida.
Michigan is the hometown favorite because Booker’s mother lives there. Head coach John Beilein and assistant LaVall Jordan both watched Booker at the Nike Global Challenge in Washington, D.C.
“Well, Michigan’s been recruiting me since the eighth grade, so they have a special place in my heart I’d say because I’ve visited there seven times and my mom lives in Michigan still and she’d probably like me to stay closer to home and play,” Booker told SNY.tv. “I live in Mississippi but I’m there in Michigan for the summer.”
Michigan State is also close to his mother’s home, and head coach Tom Izzo sat courtside for Booker’s games.
“Same thing, close to my mom, Izzo if one of the best coaches ever. I like how Coach Izzo pushes his players and all the Final Fours he’s been to,” Booker said. “You want to win when you go to college.”
Kentucky is also on the list and head coach John Calipari watched him, too.
“You can’t ignore what Calipari is doing right now,” Booker said. “He’s winning national championships and putting players in the league, so that’s what you want to see. That’s everyone’s dream to play in the NBA if you’re at this high level. So Kentucky, that’s a good look.”
Florida coach Billy Donovan was also on hand.
“I like Donovan’s system for the guards, he runs the NBA style,” Booker said. “More offense with his guards and I’m kind of similar to a Brad Beal type player so that’s what I see.”
Missouri coach Frank Haith and assistant Tim Fuller also watched Booker, knowing full well that his father, Melvin Booker, was a star there.
“That’s my dad’s alma mater,” Devin said. “They’ve been recruiting me since the eighth grade also and they show a lot of love. I’ve been up there a lot and I have a good relationship with the coaching staff. We have a good relationship.”
