Article: Transfer Portal Target – Princeton’s Xaivian Lee

I believe Alabama has gotten a 7’ center and a 6’10” big in the portal already. They are tired of getting shut out of rebounds.

 

I thought the reason Micah didn't get more minutes, was he was the slowest person on the court. Never really was matched up with someone his size.

 

Boals is an excellent evaluator of talent. He was the one that got Mark Sears to Ohio before he portaled out to go back home to Bama. Difference Sears is a prick and AJ is a great kid.

I’ve seen AJ play quite a few times in person and he’s without a doubt the most talented guy on the court. I’ve also seen him on the bench a lot because he can’t stay healthy. He’s similar to Aberdeen where he needs to be in better control at times. Note, Aberdeen did a great job with this in 2025 which shows his maturity. If he indeed lands in Gainesville (which seems very likely) he’s being brought in to be a piece not a starter. Gators still need to find a talented upperclassman guard in the portal to be a starter alongside with Aberdeen.

 

You take back, or else my wife and I are going to bring some major whoop-ass around here.


Ain't that right, sis?

 

If the 180 is right, I'd be concerned that he isn't strong enough to play championship level basketball. Alijah Martin showed the Gators how to play physical basketball at the guard positions at a championship level.

AJ Brown, 6'4"/210, is Isaiah Brown's brother. AJ went into the portal yesterday transferring from Ohio U. with a no contact request. UF is rumored to lead for his services. He has 2 years of remaining eligibility.

 

That's really helpful. Seems like a great spot up shooter from what I have seen, and big enough to swing down to the 3, if needed. I still prefer Aberdeen as a secondary ballhandler who can slide over at times, but if we got a solid 1 like Lee, then I suspect Brown can compete at the 2 and possibly help out at the 3. We have lots of options right now, but not sure what to expect out of the freshmen (or even the younger Brown) quite yet.

 

I wouldn't overlook his length, though. That can make up for a lack of physical strength. And he doesn't look scrawny or weak. Just pretty lean. Kinda similar to Demary from UGA, or even Aberdeen, who defended three positions for us. Lee would categorically be a one here. I don't see him playing off the ball. I am less concerned with his strength than with his ability to stay in front of much quicker, more explosive guards than what he faced in the Ivy.

 

Martin, Clayton Jr., and Richard played tough-nosed physical basketball defense. I want more of the same.

 

Great point, compare Clayton, first game vs Virginia and Clayton in 24/25 and in the FF. I think it's safe to say he prospered in Todd's system.

 

I think you will definitely get that from Aberdeen and Ingram. I can't speak to Lee or AJ Brown. Lee's defensive ratings were pretty solid at Princeton, in a league that really runs some complex stuff and has a lot of physical players. This staff obviously respects that league with its background at Columbia. We had pretty high ambitions for Jarvis two years ago (including playing some 5!).

 

I don't really think you can replace these guys. Three veteran guards with their experience are hard to come by. Richard started all four years in college, three at Florida. Clayton started three years in college, and was the leading scorer for a tourney team each season. Martin started four of five seasons in college, including a Final Four run. My expectations are going to be significantly lower for next year because I don't think you can replace that kind of experience and continuity. Those dudes were alphas in our postseason run. Fun to watch.

That said, I think we can remain very competitive while building for the future. We have three guys who can be rotation players next year in Aberdeen, Klavzar, and Isaiah Brown. If we bring in two solid transfers who fit with them, alongside Haugh giving us time at the three, then we can let Ingram and Lloyd (who doesn't turn 18 until the start of the season, IIRC) develop without being pushed into action.

 

No doubt. I just think we can find some nice pieces that appear to be replacements and we can go a long ways using them. But if we all think they are THE key to going back-to-back, I am afraid the Gator faithful are going to be disappointed. You know, our new position of being Kentucky Nouveau...

 

Duke is the new Kentucky, not Florida.

 

Return and improve our top 8 and we should make the tournament next year.

 

Are we opening up a verbal can of whoop-ass here?

 

Says the regular nation. Gator Nation? I stand by my possible mindsets.

 

You can stand by anything you want to, but it was Duke starting 3 freshmen this season, not Florida.

It would also be a shocker if UF starts any freshmen in 2025-2026, likely close to 0%.

Duke has new replacement starting freshmen coming in for next season. Again, that's Kentucky, not Florida.

I don't see how Florida has anything in common with Kentucky let alone being the new Kentucky.

John Calipari may make Arkansas the new Kentucky of the SEC, but he hasn't done that yet. So far, Arkansas isn't Kentucky either.

Florida uses the transfer portal for seasoned players who are fits in Todd Golden's plans. Duke is going for the highest rated true freshmen who turns heads.

Finally, what is this regular nation and Gator Nation you speak of and how does it have any bearing on whether Florida is the new Kentucky or not?

 

Agreed, three senior guards are tough to replace. But I also think you’re right that next years team could still be very good. This year we had veterans at the guard spots and less experienced big men. Next year, our bigs will be (hopefully) quite experienced and have a senior guard in Aberdeen. One or two well fitting transfers could set us up to become a top 10 team.

 

As much as I'd like to discuss kayaking, I did just read an article that said Lee is looking at UF, UK, Duke, and BYU.

 

Cut the last three schools off of that, and your post has got itself a “winner” rating.