After four years at Colorado, is Askia Booker prepared for the next level?
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Tad Boyle has quickly turned around the perception of Colorado basketball in his first five years at the helm. The program previously had only three 20-win seasons since 1969 — Boyle & Co. have enjoyed four 20-win seasons since he joined the team in 2010.
The improvement starts with recruiting, of course, and the Buffaloes have three alums that are currently on NBA rosters in Alec Burks, Andre Roberson and Spencer Dinwiddie.
Askia Booker could be the next addition to that list
“My mental toughness has improved so much since I started college. I know I’m not going to be perfect every night, but I know that consistency is key in the pro ranks.”
Booker knows it’s going to be hard work reaching that goal. “I’ve talked to Andre and Spencer about the next level and both of them have given me great advice,” Booker told Upside & Motor. “Spencer told me the biggest difference is the physicality so I’m working on my body, so I don’t get bullied at the next level.”
Booker left Colorado at 6-2, 175 pounds. While his height is something that cannot be changed, his physique can certainly be improved upon. He tallied 17.2 points, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals as the team’s go-to guy in his senior year. His play was good enough to garner a spot on the All Pac-12 Second Team, and he’s looking to build on that success by making the jump to the pros.
While Booker was happy to discuss his time in college, he’s focused on improving his game in preparation for the NBA Draft and events to follow. “I’ve been doing a lot of physical things to improve my body,” revealed Booker. “At the next level guys are stronger, faster and smarter, and I need to prepare my body to withstand that contact.”
“I’m going to give any opportunity serious thought, because at the end of the day the goal is to get to the NBA.”
Every kid has a dream of being drafted, and Booker certainly has that expectation. However, he realizes he might have to take an alternate route to turn that dream into reality. “If I’m not drafted, then I’ll sit down with my group and check out all our options and ultimately choose the best one for me. I have dual citizenship in Switzerland and I’ve lived overseas before, so the international game is definitely in play.
Playing in the D-League isn’t off the table for Booker, either. “If the D-League gives me the best and quickest opportunity to play in the NBA then I will definitely consider that option as well.”
In college, Askia was a two-guard who spent most of his time off the ball. For him to be successful at the pro level, he will have to transition into playing the point full time. He was the lead guard for Colorado for an entire season as a junior when Spencer Dinwiddie went down with an injury. He certainly has that experience to draw from.
Regardless of the results of the upcoming NBA Draft, Booker is not only confident that his work will pay off, but that he will end up reaching his ultimate goal of playing in the NBA.
“I don’t shy away from the big moments,” Booker said in closing. “I embrace them, and that’s going to carry my career a long way.”