Xaivian Lee Eyes Championship Run with Gators
By James Moreau | 14 Mar, 2026

With SEC Championship in hand, the star PG has found his form just in time for Florida’s national title defense.

Senior point guard Xaivian Lee is cementing his legacy in the collegiate ranks with the defending national champion Florida Gators.  The 6’4” Toronto native has played a pivotal role for the #5 ranked team, leading them to an SEC championship.

The Gators strengthened their case for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament by finishing the regular season on an eleven-game winning streak.

This year Lee is averaging 11.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game.  While those numbers reflect a key contributor on a championship contender, his transition to Gainesville wasn’t without friction early.

During his first six games in a Gator uniform, Lee endured a notable shooting slump uncharacteristically taking more field goal attempts than points scored in each contest.  This stretch sparked questions about how the Ivy League standout would adjust to the physicality of the SEC, but “X” found his rhythm as conference play intensified.  He earned SEC Player of the Week honors after dominant back-to-back performances in February, which included a 22-point game in a win over rival Kentucky.

Lee’s journey to the Swamp began at Princeton, where he was a two-time First-team All-Ivy League selection.  Last season he became the first player in Tigers history to record a triple double.  His freshman campaign he was part of Princeton’s Cinderella run to the Sweet Sixteen – the farthest they have advanced in over 50 years.

A dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Lee has also made his mark on the international stage.  Representing the Canadian national team at the 2023 FIBA U-19 World Cup, he led the roster with 14 points per game.

Off the court, the Korean Canadian has taken advantage of NIL opportunities.  This past offseason, he signed a $6 million brand partnership with Serious Player Only, which comes complete with a future signature shoe.

While his transfer to a high-major program hasn’t yet provided the expected boost to his NBA draft stock, the lucrative NIL deal has made the move worthwhile. 

Lee now enters the postseason with the potential to skyrocket his professional outlook by performing under the bright lights of the NCAA tournament.