From the time he first arrived on Princeton University’s campus as a lightly recruited point guard, Xaivian Lee believed he has what it takes to play in the NBA.
Now he’s got a golden opportunity to find out.
The 6-foot-3 Lee agreed to a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers shortly after the NBA Draft. He’ll get a chance to prove himself in the NBA’s summer league and, most likely, in the G League during the 2026-27 season.
For Princeton, it could mark the first time two program alums played in the NBA at the same time since Armond Hill and Brian Taylor in the early 1980s. Tosan Evbuomwan, the versatile forward who led Princeton to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 in 2023, is on a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets and their G League affiliate after briefly playing with the New York Knicks this past season.
Lee was a freshman on that Sweet 16 squad, a backup who stepped into the Tigers’ lead guard role as a sophomore and flourished over the next two seasons, averaging 17.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists while committing just 1.8 turnover per game. As a junior he recorded the first triple-double in Princeton’s illustrious hardwood history — 18 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in a victory at Saint Joseph’s.
In a December 2024 showdown against Rutgers star Dylan Harper – who just wrapped up a strong rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs – Lee more than held his own. He tallied 22 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and three steals as Princeton prevailed 83-82.
A crafty ball-handler with good playmaking instincts and a versatile scoring touch, the Toronto native earned All-Ivy League honors both seasons. His background prepared him well to run an offense. From an early age, Lee was encouraged by his parents to play multiple sports – he was a shortstop and second baseman on the diamond in high school.
“My mom, as long as I could remember, made me do everything with my left hand – eat with my left, brush my teeth with my left, I even hold my phone on my left hand.” the righthander said in 2024. “She told me, you’ve got to use both hands for basketball.”
That shiftiness made him tough to guard – and undoubtedly caught the eye of high-major suitors as free agency descended on college basketball. After his junior year Lee transferred to Florida – an unprecedented move in a Princeton program that prioritizes continuity.
His much-analyzed senior year was a mixed bag. He averaged 11.6 points, 4.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds, proving he belonged as the Gators won the SEC’s regular-season title, but he shot just 42 percent from the field and 29 percent from 3-point range. The drop in efficiency most likely hurt his pro stock.
Over the past few years, Lee’s NBA potential has been the subject of spirited debate. One thing is indisputable: He was a prolific winner. Over the course of his collegiate career, Lee’s teams posted a cumulative record of 93-33 and captured three conference titles.
Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Xaivian Lee, former Princeton guard, joins Cavaliers as free agent
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