In the age of NIL and the transfer portal, college athletes have every reason to stay in college and play for a different team. If they aren’t projected to go high in the draft and are looking to raise their stock, they will be the face of a new team the following season.
Xaivian Lee Down To Three Schools
Skepticism has existed since it was implemented, but for guys like Xaivian Lee, it’s the perfect mix of chaos and opportunity to continue their collegiate career. Lee entered the transfer portal but also tested the NBA draft process and was projected as a mid-to-late second-round pick.
NEWS: Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee will decide between St. John’s, Duke and Florida, per @GoodmanHoops.
Averaged 16.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.5 APG as a junior. Shot 43.9% from the field. pic.twitter.com/kDrTEdrlxx
— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) April 10, 2025
Now, Lee has narrowed his choices to three schools: St. John’s, Duke, and Florida. Reports indicate that BYU was in the conversation but is no longer one of his choices.
“These past three years at Princeton have been the most meaningful of my life,” said Lee in a statement posted to social media after his transfer announcement. “This place has shaped me as a person and challenged me. It gave me a platform to chase my dreams and now Princeton is a place I know I can always call home. To my teammates — ya’ll know what it is. There’s no other group I would’ve rather gone through the ups and downs with. To the faculty, fans, and community — I wouldn’t be much without you. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to represent you, I have nothing but love and gratitude for the school.”
In his junior year, Lee averaged 16.9 points per game, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, making him one of the most coveted point guards in the transfer portal. Lee helped Princeton to a 19-11 overall record and an 8-6 Ivy League record, third in the conference.
Due to not winning the Ivy League, the Tigers did not get an NCAA tournament bid. Yale went in as the No. 13 seed and lost to No. 4 seed Texas A&M 80-71 in the first round.
The three choices for Lee all had a tournament bid. The Red Storm went into the tournament as the No. 2 seed in the West Region and won their first round matchup 83-53 against No. 15 seed Omaha, but would lose 75-66 to No. 10 seed Arkansas in the second round.
The Blue Devils and Gators were some of the top teams all season and did not disappoint in the tournament. Led by projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, the Blue Devils went to the Final Four as the No. 1 seed but would lose heartbreakingly to the eventual champion No. 1 seed Gators.
The Gators beat Houston in the finals despite being down 12 points at halftime. Will Richard led the team with 18 points and eight rebounds.
Both teams are due for a makeover, but Lee is coming off a career season. He recorded his first career triple-double on Dec. 13 against Saint Joseph’s, with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.
KEEP READING: Everything To Know About the Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal
On March 8, Lee recorded his second career triple-double against Pennsylvania, with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
