​  From the time he first arrived on Princeton University’s campus as a lightly recruited point guard, Xaivian Lee believed he has what it takes to play in the NBA.Now he’s got a golden opportunity to find out.The 6-foot-3 Lee agreed to a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers shortly after the NBA Draft, according to DraftExpress.com. He’ll get a chance to prove himself in the NBA’s summer league and, most likely, in the G League during the 2026-27 season.Dec 21, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Princeton Tigers guard Xaivian Lee (1) shoots a three point basket while being guarded by Rutgers Scarlet Knights center Zach Martini (99) during the second half at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn ImagesFor Princeton, it could mark the first time two program alums played in the NBA at the same time since Armond Hill and Brian Taylor in the early 1980s. Tosan Evbuomwan, the versatile forward who led Princeton to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 in 2023, is on a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets and their G League affiliate after briefly playing with the New York Knicks this past season.Lee was a freshman on that Sweet 16 squad, a backup who stepped into the Tigers’ lead guard role as a sophomore and flourished over the next two seasons, averaging 17.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists while committing just 1.8 turnover per game. As a junior he recorded the first triple-double in Princeton’s illustrious hardwood history — 18 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in a victory at Saint Joseph’s.In a December 2024 showdown against Rutgers star Dylan Harper – who just wrapped up a strong rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs – Lee more than held his own. He tallied 22 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and three steals as Princeton prevailed 83-82.Dec 21, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Princeton Tigers guard Xaivian Lee (1) celebrates a win over Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn ImagesA crafty ball-handler with good playmaking instincts and a versatile scoring touch, the Toronto native earned All-Ivy League honors both seasons. His background prepared him well to run an offense. From an early age, Lee was encouraged by his parents to play multiple sports – he was a shortstop and second baseman on the diamond in high school.“My mom, as long as I could remember, made me do everything with my left hand – eat with my left, brush my teeth with my left, I even hold my phone on my left hand.” the righthander said in 2024. “She told me, you’ve got to use both hands for basketball.”That shiftiness made him tough to guard – and undoubtedly caught the eye of high-major suitors as free agency descended on college basketball. After his junior year Lee transferred to Florida – an unprecedented move in a Princeton program that prioritizes con      ​Read More