Trevor Booker Honored By Mauldin; Hosts Tournament

Though he is not a native of Mauldin, former Clemson star Trevor Booker can always feel at home here.

Earlier this month, the former Union High School product was given the key to the city and recognized by the state (see attached pdf file) on the occasion of the Trevor Booker & Josh Howard Truballers 5on5 tournament. Howard and Booker are teammates on the Washington Wizards and the weekend-long tournament benefited both of their foundations. They were joined during the weekend by former Kentucky star John Wall for an autograph session.

The tournament was a way for Booker to follow in the footsteps of Mauldin’s own Kevin Garnett. As a youngster, Booker attended Garnett’s tournament, but was too shy to approach Garnett for an autograph so he asked his Mom. Garnett complied and the memory stayed with Booker. “That stuck in my head,” Booker said. “So I always wanted to continue the tradition that he started.”

The tournament drew teams from throughout the Southeast in a double-elimination competition for $5,000 in prize money. The lead sponsor of the tournament was Spinx.

Unlike Garnett, who went to straight to the NBA from high school, Booker attended college for four years. “My experience was great and I wouldn’t change anything. It definitely helped me prepare for my rookie year,” Booker said.

Booker was the 23^rd overall pick in the draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, which subsequently traded him to the Wizards. Booker played in 65 games and started 14, showing steady improvement until he was sidelined for the season with a foot injury. Booker said if the season starts on time — the league is negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement and there is the possibility of a work stoppage — he expects to be healthy.

For more information on Trevor Booker click here.

For more information on the Josh Howard Foundation click here.