The national champions continue to win.
On Wednesday evening, junior star Xaivian Lee announced via Instagram that he had committed to the University of Florida. The Gators are coming off an NCAA title earlier this month and now add one of the most coveted players in the portal. In an interview with The Daily Princetonian, Lee said he will forgo the NBA draft process.
“Florida just honestly checked all the boxes. [It] felt like the perfect fit,” Lee said. “[The] team has a really good culture and it’s something I want to be a part of and build on so I’m super excited for the opportunity.”
“I’m set on going back to school and preparing for the SEC so I’m not looking to do any of the draft stuff,” Lee added.
Lee’s departure adds another layer of uncertainty to Princeton’s outlook for next season. Just last month, two men’s basketball assistants were asked not to return to the Tiger bench for the 2025–26 season.
“I’m nothing but grateful for my three years here at Princeton. Princeton has been so good to me. It’s obviously a tough decision, but I see myself as a Princeton guy forever,” Lee shared.
Lee, who entered the transfer portal shortly after the season ended, also visited the University of Kansas and St. John’s University before choosing Florida. His decision gives head coach Todd Golden and the reigning champs another high-level scoring threat and proven playmaker as the Gators look to defend their national title.
“Coach Golden reach out to me right when I got in the portal while they were in San Antonio for the final four,” Lee shared. “[Golden] taking the time to try and show his interest meant a lot.”
The two-time first team All-Ivy nominee started the last 59 games for the Tigers during his sophomore and junior years. In his final season with the Orange and Black, he averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting nearly 37 percent from beyond the arc.
Amid the new era of NIL and the transfer portal, Lee’s transfer continues the trend of mid-major stars transferring to Power 5 programs.
“I think everyone has their own goals. For me, I’m chasing a larger goal,” Lee said. “There’s an opportunity cost that comes with it, but for me, I want to put myself in the best position to achieve those goals. It’s definitely not easy giving up a Princeton degree.”
Lee highlighted UF’s resources as a larger school in a Power five conference as a factor in his decision. “It’s been one of my main focuses all throughout college — from a physicality standpoint, changing my body, getting stronger, putting on weight.”
Sophomore guard Dalen Davis is expected to take on a larger role in the backcourt, while junior forward Caden Pierce — the 2023 Ivy League Player of the Year — will look to return to form after an ankle injury limited him for the back half of the season.
Pierce wrote to the ‘Prince,’ “Being with him at Princeton for 3 years now and growing up with him, I know how difficult this decision was for him. I know he loves Princeton and it’s obviously sad to see him go, but I couldn’t be happier for him that he is one step closer to living out his dream in the NBA."
In the Sunshine State, Lee now reunites with sophomore forward Thomas Haugh, his former high school teammate at the Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Penn.
“It just adds a level of familiarity....I’m excited to run it back with him,” Lee said.
Haugh didn’t waste time recruiting his ex-teammate, chiming in on Lee’s Instagram post from yesterday by saying, “Why does that not say #committed?”
Lee is expected to slide into the starting guard role vacated by senior Walter Clayton Jr., who is expected to declare for the NBA Draft after leading Florida to its national title run. Clayton, the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, averaged over 17 points per game and became a breakout star after transferring from Iona last offseason.
Lee and Clayton Jr. were both zero-star recruits out of high school, but made the most out of their opportunities at a smaller program. Similar to Lee, Clayton Jr. also chose the Gators while weighing an offer from St John’s.
With a strong returning core and highly rated first-year recruits, Lee will likely start on a team looking to bring another national championship to the swamp.
This story is breaking and will be updated as more details emerge.
Hayk Yengibaryan is an associate News editor, senior Sports writer, and education director for the ‘Prince.’ He is from Glendale, Calif.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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