Basketball at Colorado was often an afterthought, and Jeff Bzdelik had just come off a three-year stint as coach where the Buffaloes won just 36 games. Bzdelik was replaced by Tad Boyle in 2010, and things turned around quickly. Colorado entered the Pac-12 Conference in 2011 and won the Conference Tournament in their first season. As a freshman on that team, Askia Booker made an impact immediately, averaging 9 points in 21 minutes per game.
With winning expected now, Booker stepped up his game as a sophomore and junior, finishing second on the team both years in points, assists, and steals, as the Buffaloes won 44 games and made two more NCAA appearances.
As a senior, Booker led a generally young squad, and while it wasn’t a great year in terms of wins, he put together his best all-around season. Booker averaged 17 points per game, to go along with over 3 rebounds and 3 assists, as well as 1.4 steals per game.
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Though there was no NCAA appearance this past season, Booker was invited to play in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament for the top seniors in the country. Now, the 6’2, 175 pound guard out of Los Angeles is preparing for the next step in his basketball career.
Booker’s development over the past four years has been steady, and looking back he can point out where he has matured the most. “As a person, developing my mental toughness has been the biggest thing,” said Booker. “Sometimes I had a lot of downs, but I motivated and pushed myself, and dedicated a lot to getting past it.”
He has also been able to see where he has developed as a player over the last four years. “I’m a much better defender than I ever was coming into school,” Booker explained. “Also, I’ve become a better point guard. People didn’t know I could play the point until Spencer (Dinwiddie) got hurt.”
Dinwiddie tore his ACL in January, 2014, and Booker had to make a quick adjustment with his backcourt mate out. “I had about two games to adjust to playing without Spencer,” Booker said. “It was tough, but Coach Boyle gave me a lot of confidence, and it was a big step for me as a player.”
Dinwiddie, who left for the NBA after the injury ended his junior season, is now a member of the Detroit Pistons. His impact was apparent on Booker. “Spencer and I came in together, won a Pac-12 title our first year, and made three straight NCAA appearances together,” Booker said. “I expected him to go pro after that year, and I was more happy for him than anything. I would have loved one more year playing with him though.
Now, as Booker prepares for his own pro journey, Dinwiddie will be someone he will talk to about what he will be going through the next few months. “I’ll talk to Spencer, and guys like Alec Burks (Jazz) and Andre Roberson (Thunder) also,” said Booker. “It’s good to have teammates who have been through it and can help you.”
Booker will look to impress teams over the next couple of months with the strengths of his game. “I think my biggest strength is defending on the ball, being able to disrupt plays and get deflections,” said Booker. “Also, I can knock down open shots when there, and handle the ball and facilitate.”
While honing his strength, Booker will also focus on building other areas important for the next level. “The biggest things I need to work on are physical,” said Booker. “Working on my athleticism, speed, and strength are all important.”
Booker knows the road ahead of him will be tough, but he believes he has what it takes to succeed. “I’m one of the hardest working players I know, and I’m hungry to succeed,” said Booker. “I’m going to keep working until I solidify my spot, and when I do, I’m going to keep working.”
Booker has come a long way in four seasons, and his best may still be ahead of him.
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