"Xaivian Lee draft stock just moved up": College hoops fans buzz as NBA scouts flock to witness Princeton’s thrilling 83-82 victory over Rutgers
Princeton guard Xaivian Lee shone in his team's thrilling 83-82 victory over Dylan Harper and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday. Slam University posted about the matchup on Saturday on Instagram, noting that NBA scouts were in attendance to see Lee's impressive performance.
Fans couldn't help but praise Lee after the game, as he outdueled top NBA prospects like Harper and Bailey to lead his team to a famous win.
"Xaivian Lee draft stock just moved up" one fan commented.
"Xaivian Lee is a dawg" another wrote.
"Xaivian Lee is a bucket" another fan commented.
The praise kept on coming for Lee.
"Xaivian Lee's aura is insane" one fan wrote.
"NBA stock 📈📈📈" another commented.
"Lee that dude!!!" another fan wrote.
Princeton's Xaivian Lee leads his team over Harper, Bailey, and Rutgers
Saturday’s matchup between Rutgers and Princeton drew attention for good reason: Rutgers’ freshmen stars Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey have been turning heads with their offensive prowess. Both players, living up to their high school reputations, are currently projected to be top-five picks in the upcoming NBA Draft.
The duo delivered solid performances, with Harper scoring 22 points and Bailey achieving a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double. Yet, it was Princeton’s third-year guard Lee who stole the show, leading his team to a thrilling victory.
Lee was electric on offense, racking up 21 points and 11 assists. The 6-foot-3 guard sliced through Rutgers’ defense with precision. His quick first step helped him finish tough plays at the rim, while his smooth ball-handling and sharp shooting made him nearly impossible to guard.
Beyond scoring, Lee controlled the game’s tempo with smart passing, grabbing six rebounds and tallying three steals to further his impact.
Lee has been on scouts’ radar since a breakout sophomore season, where he averaged 17.1 ppg and declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. Though he garnered some second-round buzz, he ultimately returned to Princeton for his junior year.
At just 165 pounds and nearly 21 years old, Lee faces challenges convincing scouts he’s ready for the NBA, but performances like Saturday’s show he might have the skills to make up for his smaller frame.
While this game alone won’t erase all doubts, Lee’s strong showing will continue to raise his draft stock. With a long season ahead, he has plenty of chances to prove he’s NBA material. Princeton, the favorite to win the Ivy League, will play two more nonconference games after Christmas before diving into league action.