Trevor Booker to Return to Clemson for Senior Season

March 27, 2009

Clemson, SC – Head Coach Oliver Purnell announced Friday that junior forward Trevor Booker will be returning to Clemson for his senior season. The native of Whitmire, SC was the leading scorer and rebounder for the Tigers’ 23-9 team that ranked 24th in the final Associated Press poll. Booker earned second-team All-ACC honors when he became the first ACC player to lead the league in field goal percentage and rebounding in the same season since Tim Duncan of Wake Forest in 1996-97. He is the first underclassman to accomplish the feat since Clemson’s Dale Davis in 1989-90.

“I am excited to get to play with my brother and the entire recruiting class we have coming in next season,” Booker said. “I’m almost done academically, and that is an important factor for me in this decision. After talking it over with coaches and my parents, I feel there are a lot of areas in which I can improve. As a team, we have a desire to go above and beyond what we’ve accomplished in this program thus far.”

Booker, whose brother Devin will be a freshman for the Tigers next season, averaged 15.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocked shots per game as a junior. He was a first-team All-District selection by the USBWA and All-ACC Defensive Team honoree as well by the ACSMA.

Entering his senior year, Booker will have 1,239 points and 792 rebounds. His point total is fifth-highest in Clemson history for a junior. He already ranks seventh in school history in career rebounds and needs just 208 as a senior to become the third player at Clemson with at least 1,000 rebounds. Only Dale Davis, both of whose jerseys are retired at Clemson, have 1,000 career rebounds. Booker also ranks fifth in Clemson history with 204 blocks, most by any player 6-foot-7 or shorter.

“I am extremely pleased Trevor is excited and looking forward to returning for his senior year,” Purnell said. “Any time you have your best player on board with two feet and optimistic about your future, you have a chance to do big things. I love the fact he understands the importance and value of receiving his degree from Clemson University. His optimism for next season is a plus. With 10 scholarship players returning and an outstanding recruiting class coming in, I certainly share in his optimism.”