Madison Booker may not shoot 3-pointers from midcourt, and she isn’t starring in any national TV commercials — at least not yet. This Texas Longhorn should be in every conversation about the nation’s best players.
After her third sensational performance in seven days, Booker was named the Naismith Trophy Player of the Week on Monday, the same day the Longhorns climbed back up to No. 5 in the Associated Press Top 25.
Booker had 28 points last Monday in an 89-51 win over No. 8 Maryland. Then, she pumped in 26, made a critical steal and layup late to secure an 80-76 win over No. 17 Tennessee on Thursday.
As if that wasn’t enough, Booker hit the go-ahead jumper with 25.5 seconds remaining as Texas rallied for a 61-58 win Sunday at Ole Miss. Booker had 12 points in front of more than two dozen family and friends in the stands.
The sophomore from Ridgeland, Miss., couldn’t believe the outpouring of support. “It’s just major love for me and my city,” she said. “Even friends that go to Ole Miss came out to support. Thank you.”
The closing minute was indicative of how much Texas coach Vic Schaefer trusts his most talented playmaker.
In a tie game, Booker had the ball near the elbow and saw Taylor Jones covered down low. Booker had the option to go for a pull-up jumper or drift to the corner. She pulled the trigger for a 16-footer.
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