Recruiting Report: Thomas Booker (2016)
It’s only an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tenn., to Bowling Green, Ky., but crossing the border into the commonwealth invites a whole new world basketball-wise, says Thomas Booker. The Purples’ senior, a transfer from East Nashville Magnet before this season,…
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Continue ReadingIt’s only an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tenn., to Bowling Green, Ky., but crossing the border into the commonwealth invites a whole new world basketball-wise, says Thomas Booker.
The Purples’ senior, a transfer from East Nashville Magnet before this season, said roundball is more of a focus in his new home — which is the way he likes it.
“We’re just always in the gym,” Booker said. “It’s just basketball, basketball, basketball. There’s a big difference from Nashville to (Bowling Green). It’s just relentless.
“We live in the gym. We’re always working. We push hard, trying to make every night our best night.”
So far, so good: the Purples went 6-0 to begin the season.
State runner-up last season — as was Booker’s East Nashville Magnet in Tennessee’s Class AA — Bowling Green has its sights set on another trip to Rupp Arena.
“The only thing that can stop us from playing is us,” Booker said. “I think as long as we keep on working hard in practice and continue to do what coach (D.G.) Sherrill says, we’re gonna be pretty good.”
What can Booker contribute to that effort?
“I can just add on to what they did last year, and help out where I can,” he said. “It’s not so much taking over, just being a part of the team and contributing to help win.”
The guard has taken that to heart so far this season: he’s averaging 11.6 points per game in the early going, as well as 5.2 boards a night. His point total is third on the team — juniors Kyran Jones and Terry Taylor are each averaging double-doubles in points and rebounds.
“I always get the ball to the post a lot, and when that’s not working, then I know it’s time for me to get a bucket,” Booker said. “We’ve got some pretty nice big men. As long as they play (well), we’ll be pretty good.”
Booker has drawn significant mid-major Division I interest. He said his offers include East Tennessee State, Lipscomb and Austin Peay, and that he’s hearing from Murray State, Western Kentucky, Troy, Scouth Carolina Upstate and SIU-Edwardsville.
He doesn’t have a definite plan for when he’ll know where he’s headed.
“I’m gonna let the season play out,” Booker said, “and see what happens.”