BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Madison Booker recognized the importance of the moment in front of her.
With Texas and Tennessee tied at 50 heading into the fourth quarter of Saturday afternoon’s Sweet 16 matchup, the Longhorns forward knew she needed to bring more for her teammates. Typically, Booker steps up by sinking smooth midrange jumpers or using her ranginess to slow the opponent she is guarding. But with the Longhorns’ season at a momentary inflection point, she stood up and spoke up.
While coach Vic Schaefer was taking part in a mid-quarter TV interview, Booker told her teammates seated in front of her that they needed to focus more. She stressed the importance of valuing every possession, setting stronger and more effective screens, not forcing up shots amid the Lady Vols’ frenetic defense. They listened to her and beat Tennessee before moving on to defeat TCU in the Elite Eight.
Booker might not have been so vocal a year ago.
Only a sophomore, she has already emerged as one of the nation’s best players. She was named an AP All-American twice. She won at least a share of conference player of the year honors in two conferences. She is arguably college basketball’s most understated star — a player who has traded making headlines for making baskets, time and again.
Yet…
