Madison Booker repeats as nation's top small forward of the year
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas sophomore Madison Booker is one of the best forwards in women's college basketball for the second consecutive season.
Booker repeated as the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year winner, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced Saturday. She helped lead the Longhorns to their first Final Four since 2003 this season, earning first-team All-American distinctions from the Associated Press and WBCA and finalists honors for the Wade Trophy and Wooden Award.
Booker became the first player in women's college basketball history to be named a player of the year in two conferences after winning the Southeastern Conference player of the year award this season. She averaged 16.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game this season, shooting 46% from the field and 83% from the foul line.
"Madison is very passionate about the game," Texas head coach Vic Schaefer said. "Her values and approach to the game each and every day are unlike anything I've ever seen in a sophomore. She is special. She's a great teammate, but she's also a great competitor, respecting her opponent and showing great sportsmanship."
Booker scored 20 or more points in 14 games this season, including a season-high 28 against Maryland in the Coretta Scott King Classic on Jan. 20.
"It is an honor to earn an award with the name Cheryl Miller on it because I know how much she has meant to the game," Booker said. "I want to thank my teammates and coaches as I wouldn't have received this award without their support and encouragement."
The Longhorns set a program record with 35 wins, ending the year with a 35-4 record following a loss to South Carolina in the Final Four. Texas lost to two teams all year, the Gamecocks three times and Notre Dame.
Rori Harmon was a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year award and Taylor Jones was a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year award. Paige Bueckers of UConn won the Nancy Liberman award and Lauren Betts of UCLA won the Lisa Leslie award.