BOOKER SIGNS PRO CONTRACT
Multi-award-winning Lady Rebels’ point guard to play in Italy’s top league
Former UNLV point guard Essence Booker has signed a contract to play professional basketball in Italy, she and the team announced Thursday.
Booker will join Faenza Basket Project in August to prepare for the upcoming season in Italy’s premier women’s league.
“I’m excited to continue my professional career with Faenza,” Booker said. “I’m fulfilling a lifelong goal and thrilled to be back on the court soon.”
The Spring Valley High School alum led the Lady Rebels’ offense for two years following a transfer. UNLV broke numerous program records during her career and reached the NCAA Tournament in consecutive years for the first time since going to three straight from 1989 to 1991. Booker averaged 13.2 points and 4.0 assists last season, earning All-Mountain West First Team and All-Mountain West Championship Team honors. Booker was the 2022 Mountain West Championship MVP.
“This will be a great opportunity for Essence,” UNLV Head Coach Lindy La Rocque said. “It’s a tough league and she’ll get to prove just how good of a player she really can be.”
The Italian Serie A1 League has proved to be an optimal training ground for aspiring American women’s basketball players. The 2022-23 league MVP Marina Mabrey cast her success into a spot on the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, with whom she is currently the team’s leading