G: Xaivian Lee (JR)
Height/Weight: 6’4”/ 180 lbs.
Previous School: Princeton
2024-25 Stats: 16.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 43.9% FG, 36.6% 3pt
Offensive Impact
Elite shot creator
Lee is one of the better perimeter shot creators in the nation. 94th percentile in dribble jumper efficiency on 150 attempts last season. 41% from 3 off the dribble.
The step back jumper is his go-to move, and he has an extremely quick release off the bounce, so it is tough to guard.
Creates well in P&R and isolation. Not sure how much the isolation part of his game will be used due to coach Golden’s offensive values (8th percentile in ISO frequency for Florida last season). But overall, he should have a ton of freedom to create his own looks due to his prowess in this area.
Will be the engine for the perimeter offense, but his near 30% usage rate at Princeton will most likely see a significant dip.
Impressive 37% assist rate and 13.6% turnover rate. Part of the reason could be from playing against more passive Ivy League defenses, but he appears to be making the right reads often. Adequate spacing will allow him to play with more freedom.
Have noticed him getting a bit careless with the ball at times. Some poor one handed passes and getting caught in the air before making a decision.
There are a few concerns with this overall offensive game: Inside the arc scoring, and playing off the ball in general. Will most likely be compared to Walter Clayton due to his dribble creation similarities, but Clayton was a much better 3-level scorer than Lee is at this point in time.
Just 26% shooting off the catch on low volume (46 attempts). This part of his game may not be needed a ton due to the primary action frequency of the Gators’ offense, but he probably needs to improve in this area due to playing off the ball a bit more. Denzel Aberdeen will be seeing some time as the PG.
Lee also just doesn’t look all that comfortable in C&S.
25th percentile in rim scoring efficiency. Not out of the ordinary for a guard, but it is certainly nor a strength of his.
Erratic around the rim and doesn’t seek contact very often. Looking to make an acrobatic move over getting to the free throw line. Lacks physicality inside.
Defensive Impact
Great rebounder for his position (20.2% DREB rate). Not sure how well this will translate to the SEC, but it is a good sign that he is active on the glass.
Lacks physicality and gets knocked out of position often but has above average length for a PG to contest shots.
Not super active but a lesser offensive role may help in this area.