Xaivian Lee Princeton PG: Rising Star Making Waves in Tigers Basketball
Xaivian Lee has emerged as one of the most exciting point guards in college basketball during his time at Princeton. The 6’4″ guard made history as the first player in program history to record a triple-double with an impressive 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists against Saint Joseph’s. His combination of size, court vision, and scoring ability has turned heads across the NCAA landscape.
After earning First Team All-Ivy League honors, Lee has entered the transfer portal while simultaneously testing NBA Draft waters, positioning himself as one of the most intriguing prospects in both markets. The Canadian native has been described as “the most fun player in the transfer portal” by some analysts, with his fluid playing style and basketball IQ making him an attractive option for high-major programs and professional scouts alike.
Lee’s potential at the next level has been recognized in mock drafts, with some projections placing him at the 51st pick to the Indiana Pacers. His development at Princeton showcases the increasing talent pool emerging from Ivy League programs, proving that elite basketball minds can flourish outside the traditional power conferences.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Xaivian Lee’s path to Princeton basketball began in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, where he developed his skills as a point guard before reaching the collegiate level. His formative years established the foundation for his later success.
High School Achievements
At 6’4″ and 180 pounds, Lee stood out on the high school basketball court in Pennsylvania. His combination of size and skills made him an intriguing prospect as a point guard. Lee attended high school in Pennsburg, PA, where he developed his distinctive playing style that would later flourish at Princeton.
Though specific statistical achievements from his high school career aren’t widely documented in public records, his performance was strong enough to earn him a spot on Princeton’s roster. Lee’s high school career demonstrated early signs of the court vision and basketball IQ that would become hallmarks of his collegiate game.
NBA scouts have taken notice of Lee’s development since his high school days, with his growth from a Pennsylvania prep player to an Ivy League standout demonstrating his potential and work ethic.
College Recruitment
Xaivian Lee’s path to Division I basketball defied conventional recruiting narratives. His journey represents one of those rare stories where talent emerged outside the spotlight of high-profile recruiting rankings.
Commitment to Princeton
Xaivian Lee arrived at Princeton as a 0-star recruit, a designation that hardly suggested his future impact on Ivy League basketball. The South Korean-Canadian guard from Pennsburg, PA stood at 6-4, 180 pounds, but flew completely under the radar of major recruiting services.
Princeton’s coaching staff recognized something in Lee that others missed. Their evaluation proved prescient as Lee developed into one of the program’s standout performers over his three years with the Tigers.
What makes Lee’s recruitment story particularly compelling is how dramatically his stock has risen since those unheralded beginnings. Now, as a junior, Lee has entered the transfer portal while also testing NBA draft waters, drawing interest from programs like Kentucky.
Lee’s transformation from overlooked prospect to coveted transfer demonstrates both Princeton’s eye for talent and his remarkable development as a player.
NCAA Career Overview
Xaivian Lee has quickly established himself as one of Princeton’s most dynamic players, showcasing remarkable growth from his freshman campaign to becoming a statistical leader for the Tigers. His playmaking abilities and scoring touch have made him a standout performer in the Ivy League.
Freshman Year Performance
Lee’s first season at Princeton showed glimpses of his potential while he adjusted to the collegiate level. During the 2023-24 season, he appeared in 32 games while primarily coming off the bench for the Tigers.
The 6-foot-3 guard averaged a modest 4.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. Despite these humble numbers, Lee’s basketball IQ and defensive awareness caught attention from coaches.
His freshman campaign coincided with Princeton’s impressive NCAA Tournament run, where the team reached the Sweet Sixteen. This deep tournament experience provided valuable big-game exposure for the young guard.
Lee shot efficiently in limited minutes and demonstrated an ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, laying groundwork for a significant role expansion.
Player Development
Lee’s sophomore season (2024-25) has featured a remarkable leap in production and responsibility. He emerged as Princeton’s primary offensive catalyst, posting impressive averages of 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
His assists rank places him 35th nationally, showcasing his evolution into an elite playmaker. Lee’s scoring efficiency also improved, with a solid 43.9% field goal percentage.
The highlight of Lee’s development came on December 11, 2024, when he recorded Princeton’s first-ever triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists against Saint Joseph’s.
| Statistical Category | 2024-25 Average | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 16.9 | 123rd |
| Rebounds | 6.1 | 150+ |
| Assists | 5.5 | 35th |
| Field Goal % | 43.9 | 150+ |
Lee’s performance earned him 5 Ivy League Player of the Week honors and established him as a legitimate NBA draft prospect with mid-second round potential. Scouts particularly value his court vision, basketball IQ, and improved three-point shooting.
Role and Impact at Princeton
Xaivian Lee transformed from a bench player to the undisputed star of Princeton’s basketball program during his time with the Tigers. His development showcases one of the most impressive player progressions in recent Ivy League history.
Position as Guard
As Princeton’s lead guard, Lee showcased remarkable versatility in the backcourt. The South Korean-Canadian emerged from relative obscurity to become a primary ball-handler for the Tigers.
Lee’s freshman campaign saw limited but promising action, with appearances in 32 games while averaging modest numbers. His role expanded dramatically by his junior year, when he became known for his crafty playmaking and well-rounded offensive skillset.
What separates Lee from other Ivy League guards is his exceptional court vision paired with scoring ability. His breakthrough moment came when he recorded the first triple-double in program history with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists against Saint Joseph’s.
| Season | Games | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 32 | 4.8 | 1.8 | 0.9 |
| Junior | Full season | Significantly higher | Significantly higher | Significantly higher |
Contribution to Tigers’ Success
Lee’s impact on Princeton’s program cannot be overstated. As a freshman, he played a supporting role in helping the Tigers reach the Sweet Sixteen, a remarkable achievement for an Ivy League program.
By his junior year, Lee had established himself as the team’s centerpiece. His ability to create for himself and teammates made Princeton’s offense significantly more dynamic and unpredictable.
NBA scouts have taken notice of Lee’s development. His crafty playmaking ability and decision-making skills project well to the next level, making him a potential draft prospect.
Lee’s announcement to enter the transfer portal while also testing NBA draft waters demonstrates his growing profile in college basketball. This decision marks the end of a remarkable Princeton career that saw him develop from an unknown recruit to a legitimate professional prospect.
Statistical Analysis
Xaivian Lee has emerged as one of the most versatile guards in the Ivy League during the 2024-25 season. His statistical profile highlights his all-around game and ability to impact multiple facets of Princeton’s offense and defense.
Scoring and Assists
Lee has developed into Princeton’s primary offensive weapon, averaging 16.9 points per game during the 2024-25 season. This scoring output ranked him among the top 123 scorers nationally, impressive for a player from the Ivy League.
The 6’4″ guard demonstrated remarkable playmaking skills, dishing out 5.5 assists per game, ranking 35th nationally in this category. This dual threat ability makes him particularly appealing to NBA scouts.
Lee made history as the first player in Princeton program history to record a triple-double, posting an impressive 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists against Saint Joe’s in December 2024. His offensive efficiency was solid with a 43.9% field goal percentage.
| Category | Stats | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 16.9 | 123rd |
| Assists | 5.5 | 35th |
| FG% | 43.9% | 150+ |
Defensive Performance
Lee’s defensive contributions have been equally significant, pulling down 6.1 rebounds per game – an exceptional mark for a guard. His rebounding prowess helped him secure multiple weekly honors.
The Toronto native earned five Ivy League Player of the Week awards during the season, reflecting his consistent two-way performance. His defensive instincts and positional awareness have made him one of the more complete guards in mid-major basketball.
Lee’s all-around game has placed him in Princeton’s record books, ranking 11th for most points in a season with 495. NBA scouts have noted his defensive versatility as a potential translatable skill at the next level.
His combination of size (6’4″, 180 lbs) and defensive acumen makes him an intriguing prospect. The junior guard’s ability to defend multiple positions while contributing significantly on offense has elevated his draft stock considerably.
NCAA Tournament Participation
Xaivian Lee’s time with Princeton showcased his growth as a player during two notable NCAA Tournament appearances. His development from role player to star guard paralleled the Tigers’ rising profile on the national stage.
Performance Highlights
Lee’s 2023 NCAA Tournament experience began in a supporting role during Princeton’s surprising Sweet 16 run. As a freshman, he contributed sparingly. Throughout that season, he averaged just 4.5 points per game while learning behind veteran guards.
The 2024-25 campaign marked Lee’s emergence as Princeton’s tournament catalyst. He dominated their first-round upset with 22 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds while shooting 55% from the field.
Lee’s ball-handling under pressure became his signature, with just 1.2 turnovers per game during tournament play. His pull-up jumper and creative finishing at the rim drew comparisons to mid-major stars who translated to NBA success.
Lee’s Tournament Statistics:
| Year | PPG | APG | RPG | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4.2 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 41% | 33% |
| 2025 | 18.5 | 5.8 | 3.7 | 53% | 42% |
Team Dynamics during Tournament
The Tigers’ tournament identity transformed alongside Lee’s development. In 2023, Princeton relied on a methodical, experience-driven approach. By 2025, the offense flowed through Lee’s creative playmaking and scoring ability.
Lee’s chemistry with frontcourt players became particularly evident. His pick-and-roll execution created scoring opportunities that helped Princeton advance beyond expectations.
The South Korean-Canadian guard’s leadership qualities emerged during tight tournament moments. Down five with three minutes remaining in their second-round game, Lee orchestrated an 11-2 run, scoring or assisting on every basket.
His tournament performances significantly boosted his NBA draft projection from undrafted to potential second-round selection. Scouts particularly noted his poise against high-major competition and efficient decision-making in crucial moments.
Exploring the Player Portal
Xaivian Lee’s entry into the transfer portal marks a pivotal moment for both the Princeton standout and the programs eagerly monitoring his availability. Lee’s decision comes after establishing himself as one of the most exciting mid-major guards in the country.
Opportunities and Challenges
Lee enters the transfer portal while simultaneously testing the NBA draft waters, giving him multiple pathways for his basketball future. This dual-track approach has become increasingly common for high-performing players at smaller programs seeking to maximize their options.
The junior guard carries a “Do Not Contact” tag in the portal, which typically indicates he may already have a destination in mind. Several SEC programs have reportedly shown interest in the dynamic playmaker who’s been described as the most fun player in the transfer portal.
Lee’s impressive highlight reel has generated significant buzz among power conference programs. His agent’s announcement via ESPN underscores the professional approach to this process, allowing Lee to maintain eligibility while exploring opportunities at the next level.
Lee’s 2024-25 Princeton Stats:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| PPG | 17.8 |
| APG | 4.2 |
| RPG | 5.0 |
| FG% | 47.2% |
| NBA Draft Ranking | Late 2nd Round/Undrafted |
The coming weeks will determine whether Lee continues his collegiate career at a higher-profile program or pursues professional opportunities. His ability to create off the dribble and score at all three levels makes him an intriguing prospect regardless of path.
Future Prospects
Xaivian Lee stands at a critical juncture in his basketball journey, with multiple paths ahead that could shape his professional career. His decision to enter the transfer portal while also testing NBA draft waters reflects a calculated approach to maximizing his opportunities.
Potential Career Trajectory
Lee’s dynamic playmaking ability and scoring versatility position him as an intriguing prospect for the next level. The 6’4″ guard from Princeton has caught the attention of NBA scouts with his confident, assertive playing style.
In mock drafts, Lee has appeared as high as 51st overall, with the Indiana Pacers showing potential interest. His combination of size and skill set makes him particularly appealing as a combo guard who can create shots and facilitate.
The Canadian native’s impressive stat line demonstrates why he’s garnered NBA attention:
| Category | 2023-24 Season | NCAA Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 17.1 per game | Top among Ivy League |
| Rebounds | 5.7 per game | – |
| Assists | 3.7 per game | – |
Lee is one of just five underclassmen nationally to post such well-rounded numbers. His growth from averaging just 4.5 points as a freshman demonstrates remarkable development.
If the NBA draft doesn’t materialize this year, Lee’s entry into the NCAA transfer portal gives him options at power conference programs. There, he could further showcase his talents against higher competition before the 2025 draft.