Duke Basketball Among Finalists for Princeton Transfer Xaivian Lee
Duke could be closing in on a major addition from the transfer portal, as the program is one of four leading contenders for Princeton guard Xaivian Lee. According to 247Sports insider Travis Branham, Lee is considering Duke, Florida, Kentucky, and BYU, though BYU may be less likely after recently signing former Baylor guard Rob Wright.
Lee just wrapped up his junior season at Princeton, where he averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 43.9% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range while helping lead the Tigers to a 19–11 record. A two-time All-Ivy League First Team selection, Lee is widely regarded as one of the top guards in the country and a potential NBA Draft prospect.
Although he initially planned to test the NBA Draft waters, Lee appears more likely to return to college for another season. Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft projects him as the 51st overall pick by the New York Knicks.
With Duke expected to lose much of its backcourt—Sion James has no remaining eligibility, and Tyrese Proctor is likely heading to the NBA—Lee could fill a significant void. Reserves like Caleb Foster and Isaiah Evans also have uncertain futures, either exploring pro options or potential transfers.
Lee, a 6-foot-4, 180-pound lead guard, would bring scoring, playmaking, and defensive ability to a team that could be rebuilding its starting lineup. His all-around skillset fits well with head coach Jon Scheyer’s system and could be a key piece for Duke in the 2025–26 season.
