Princeton’s star guard Xaivian Lee made his official choice and announced that he will be joining Florida. However, the internet oracles were way ahead of him as during his visit to Gainesville, the fans on X had already made a prediction that high chances are he will be opting to join the Florida Gators for this season, and they were 100% right.
Fans Correctly Predict Princeton Star Xaivian Lee’s Commitment to Florida
Lee, the junior guard from Princeton, announced his commitment to the University of Florida on Instagram. The Gators, fresh off an NCAA championship, just landed a major talent. Lee visited Kansas and St. John’s but chose Gainesville. He called Florida the “perfect fit.”
“Florida just honestly checked all the boxes,” Lee said. He loved the team’s culture. He wants to help build on their success. Lee also decided to skip the NBA draft. “I’m set on going back to school and preparing for the SEC,” he added.
At Princeton, Lee was a star. He started every game over the last two seasons. He averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. His three-point shooting was solid, hitting nearly 37 percent. Florida’s coach, Todd Golden, reached out early. Even during the Final Four, Golden made time. “That meant a lot,” Lee said.
However, his fans had already seen this coming. On X, a fan wrote on the post about his visit to Gainesville, “He’s a gator.” Another said, “Would be shocked if it’s not Florida.” Some pointed to UF’s large Asian community as a factor. Others wondered if Lee’s game could handle the SEC’s intensity. His stats suggest he’s ready.
NEWS: Princeton star transfer Xaivian Lee is down to St. John’s & Florida, per @MattNorlander.
Currently on a visit in Gainesville. pic.twitter.com/4akXn909zZ
— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) April 15, 2025
Lee’s move fits a trend. Mid-major stars like him often transfer to bigger programs. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal make it easier. Lee knows the cost. “There’s an opportunity cost,” he said. But he’s focused on his dreams.
At Florida, Lee reunites with Thomas Haugh, a sophomore forward. They played together in high school at Perkiomen School in Pennsylvania. Haugh even teased Lee’s commitment on Instagram, commenting, “Why does that not say #committed?”
Lee will likely replace Walter Clayton Jr., who’s expected to enter the NBA draft. Clayton, a transfer from Iona, led Florida to the title. Like Lee, he was a zero-star recruit who shined at a smaller school. Lee’s ready to follow that path.
Florida’s size and resources stood out to him. As a Power 5 school, it offers more than Princeton could. Lee wants to get stronger and bulk up. “It’s been one of my main focuses,” he said. He’s chasing big goals, even if it means leaving a Princeton degree behind. “It’s not easy,” he admitted.
Back at Princeton, Lee’s departure leaves a gap. Caden Pierce, a junior forward, will step up. Pierce was the 2023 Ivy League Player of the Year. An ankle injury slowed him last season, but he’s ready to rebound.
Pierce and Lee grew close over three years. “I know how difficult this decision was for him,” Pierce said. He knows Lee loves Princeton. It’s tough to see him go. But Pierce is thrilled for his friend. “He is one step closer to living out his dream in the NBA,” Pierce said.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
Princeton faces challenges. Two assistant coaches won’t return next season, and sophomore guard Dalen Davis will take on a bigger role. The Tigers’ future is uncertain, but Pierce remains a cornerstone.
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