College Basketball

Xaivian Lee Transfer Portal: Kansas, St. John’s & Florida Make Final Cut For Next Team

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Xaivian Lee is one of the most intriguing names in the transfer portal. The 6’4″ guard from Princeton averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists last season, earning First-Team All-Ivy honors. After recording two triple-doubles—an unprecedented mark in program history—he’s now looking to raise his profile at a high-major program.

Kansas Basketball Is The Best Fit for Xaivian Lee

Kansas stands out as the top landing spot. Bill Self’s offense runs heavy pick-and-roll, which suits Lee’s skill set as a primary ball handler and decision-maker. With significant turnover in the backcourt, there’s room for Lee to play immediately and have a lead role. The Jayhawks have a strong record of developing guards for the next level, making them an appealing option for a player with NBA ambitions

St. John’s Makes Final Cut

St. John’s hosted Lee for a visit, and Rick Pitino is clearly in the market for experienced guards.

Even with RJ Luis Jr. moving on, the Red Storm have already retooled their roster with a pair of high-profile transfers in Bryce Hopkins and Joson Sanon. Adding a heady point guard like Lee to the mix would put St. John’s back in the mix for another deep NCAA Tournament run.

If Lee decides to head to New York, he could be a game-changer for the Red Storm.

Gators Visit Goes Well For Lee

Lee will visit Florida on Tuesday as the Gators look to reload following the departures of Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin. Florida wants a lead guard who can run the offense right away, and Lee fits that mold.

He has ties to the current roster—former high school teammate Thomas Haugh is already at UF and reportedly pushing for Lee to join him in Gainesville. With Florida fresh off a national title and clear minutes available, this is a visit worth watching.

Other Programs in the Mix

North Carolina was thought to be firmly in the picture. Hubert Davis is reshaping his backcourt and Lee could have slotted into a high-usage role right away. The Tar Heels offered national exposure and ACC competition—key for a player hoping to improve his draft stock. The staff is reportedly interested, and stylistically, Lee’s game complemented UNC’s needs.

Xaivian Lee’s College Decision Will Be His Own

Lee is managing his recruitment personally, meaning he’s driving the conversations. That makes visits and coaching fit especially important. For now, Kansas looks like the program best positioned to land him, with St. John’s and Florida still in play. All three schools made the final cut and it appears a decision could be coming soon.