Xaivian Lee, the dynamic point guard from Florida, has officially committed to the Gonzaga Bulldogs, bringing a much-needed shot of adrenaline to Spokane!
The Wild Ride to Spokane: Eligibility and a Perfect Fit
This whole situation has been wild, right? We all knew the Zags were hunting for a playmaker, especially after Mario Saint-Supery and Donovan Dent chased bigger paychecks. But Lee? He’s a natural fit for Gonzaga’s signature half-court offense and that heavy pick-and-roll style that makes defenses scramble. The guy’s got a fifth year of eligibility and landed in the transfer portal thanks to a temporary restraining order in California back on August 18. Talk about navigating the chaos!
He actually competed with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Summer League this past July, which would typically make you sweat about his college return. But because he didn’t sign an Exhibit 10 contract, he’s still eligible to light up college courts. The NCAA’s still appealing every Class of 2022 athlete’s status, making this the craziest offseason ever, but right now, Lee is cleared to play. It’s an absolute win for the Zags that we finally got him.
What Lee Brings: SEC Title Vibes and Triple-Double Magic
Let’s talk numbers, because this dude is a certified baller. Last season at Florida, under Coach Todd Golden, Lee started 35 games, averaging 11.6 points on 42.0% shooting from the field, 29.2% from three, and 76.5% from the line. Plus, he dished out 4.2 assists, grabbed 3.7 rebounds, and snagged 1.2 steals. He wasn’t just putting up stats; he helped the Gators clinch the SEC regular-season title and marched them into the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. That’s serious winning experience!
And before that? Back in his Ivy League days with Princeton, Lee was the first player in program history to record a triple-double. Not once, but TWICE during his time there! He also holds Princeton’s season assists record with 165 dimes in 2024-25 and is a two-time unanimous All-Ivy First Team member. The 6-4, 180-pound floor leader from Toronto, Ontario, is poised to join the ranks of incredible Canadian lead guards at Gonzaga, following legends like Kevin Pangos and the Nembhard brothers. We’re getting an absolute gem.
Lee’s commitment technically fills all 15 roster spots for the 2026-27 season, but honestly, it’s never truly “complete” this early. We’re still waiting on eligibility waivers for Nathan De Sousa and Izan Almansa, and Javon Bennett is stuck in limbo, too. Plus, the Pac-12 is looking into banning professional athletes from college sports, just like the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten have done, which could affect De Sousa and Almansa. But no matter what, with Lee on board, the national championship dream is absolutely alive in Spokane. Get ready for some high-caliber starting lineups and depth!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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