Defending CBB champions get point guard star from portal to start repeat effort

The Florida Gators won the 2025 college basketball national championship, thanks in part to one of the best backcourts in the country. Yes, star guard and leading scorer Walter Clayton Jr. but seniors Will Richard and Alijah Martin also played key roles in the title run as well.

All three of them ran out of eligibility, so the Gators needed to add a piece or two to shore up the roster. They’ve reportedly been in a mix for a couple of targets, but one main player emerged in Xaivian Lee, the leading scorer, and passer for the Princeton Tigers with 16.9 ppg and 5.5 apg.  

Lee is a multi-time All-Ivy League performer, shooting 37% from deep and scoring 20+ points on 11 different occasions, along with a triple-double in a win over St. Joe’s. The junior ball-handler recently visited Florida but reportedly had also visited Kansas and St. John’s.

In the end, Lee decided to join the reigning national champs, giving them one of the best players in all of the transfer portal this offseason. He projects to be the starting point guard for the 2025-26 season, joining returning guards, Denzel Aberdeen and Isaiah Brown.

With most of the frontcourt staying intact, Florida doesn’t have many more needs to complete its roster. Thomas Haugh is reportedly going through the NBA Draft process but could return, while the lack of proven perimeter depth remains a concern. There is a chance the team can land Cedric Coward, a 6’6 transfer wing from Washington State. The Gators are among his top-5 list, including other heavyweights, Duke and Kansas.

But for now, Florida can celebrate getting one of the top point guards in the offseason transfer portal. They’re likely a piece or two away from being a top-10 team again for next season but this is a great pickup to start its title defense.