CLEMSON — Clemson has seen its fair share of hardships from the hardwood this season despite the efforts of its relentless senior forward Devin Booker.
Let the record books show that the Union County product posted 25 points and 11 rebounds against North Carolina on February 28 which just happened to be his birthday. He tried to gift wrap a victory for the Tigers by delivering his second highest output of the season. Twenty-one of Devin’s points came in the second half when Clemson outscored the visitors 35-30. He went 9 of 13 from the field and 7 of 8 from the free throw line but it was not enough to squeak out a win. A little over a week prior to that game Devin turned in a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in a near-upset of No. 3 Miami and on Tuesday he led the Tigers offense with 19 points on Senior Night versus Boston College.
When he took the court on Tuesday night it marked the 225th time in the last 228 games that a Booker has been in the starting lineup for the Clemson Tigers. His older brother, Trevor, started 134 straight games from 2006-10 and Devin has started all but three games over the last three seasons.
He’s definitely made a name for himself during his time at Clemson but Devin hopes to be remembered for his character rather than his achievements.
“If they think about me, I hope it’s about my caring attitude and my work ethic,” said Devin. “I put in the work in practice and I leave everything on the floor when I play, so I hope people remember that.”
On February 23, another Booker was celebrating Senior Night at Talladega College in Alabama. Devin and Trevor’s brother Darrion Booker turned in 17 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks during his final game as a Tornado.
Talledaga Head Coach Matt Cross said that Darrion has overcome adversity and injury to have a spectacular college basketball career.
“Trevor and Devon’s success in the game of basketball, as well as his cousin Jordan Hill has definitely had a tremendously positive impact on Darrion,” said Cross. “We all should feed off each other’s successes and be there to encourage each other even becoming an inspiration to others. For Darrion, he has witnessed his own brother making it the highest level possible in the game and will see another brother soon reach that feat as well. Certainly, that has given D.B. a lot of motivation to continue pursuing his own dreams and has provided him an outlet to stay focused as he continues down his own path.”
Sports Editor Tiffany Grady-Hudgins can be reached by e-mail at thudgins@civitasmedia.com or by cell at (864) 251-4330.
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