In the 2023 basketball season, the performance of senior Xaivian Lee has drawn significant attention, though not in a favorable light. Lee transferred to the University of Florida after an impressive junior year at Princeton, where he averaged 16.9 points per game. However, his scoring has fallen short of expectations so far this season.
Lee’s Declining Performance
Lee has surpassed 17 points in only five matches this season with the Gators, ranked No. 19. His last notable performance occurred on December 21 against Colgate. Recently, in Florida’s victory against Oklahoma, Lee contributed only four points, three assists, and two rebounds while spending just 19 minutes on the court. This marked his lowest playing time since a loss to Texas Christian University on November 27.
Throughout the season, Lee’s shooting accuracy has been concerning. In the Oklahoma game, he shot just 25% and failed to make any of his six attempts from three-point range. This was the first time since November 21 that he went scoreless from beyond the arc. His playing time has gradually decreased since the Southeastern Conference (SEC) games began, as he logged 27 minutes against Georgia, followed by 21 minutes against Tennessee.
Urban Klavzar’s Ascendancy
Amid Lee’s struggle, junior guard Urban Klavzar has benefitted from increased playtime. The Slovenian player showed his potential with 27 minutes on the court against Oklahoma, scoring 13 points while shooting an impressive 66.7%. This performance signifies Klavzar’s best shooting rate since joining the Gators, where he has now achieved double-digit scores in three consecutive games.
Coaching Decisions and Team Dynamics
Head coach Todd Golden has opted to give Klavzar more responsibilities, aligning with Lee’s diminishing output. Lee was once a standout, earning two-time unanimous All-Ivy selection honors, but he has become more of a liability in recent games. The Gators are now looking to enhance their offensive strategy as they prepare to face No. 10 Vanderbilt, a team currently holding a strong record of 16 wins and just one loss.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Gators approach their matchup against Vanderbilt, they hope for a turnaround in Lee’s performance. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, broadcasted on ESPN and local radio stations 103.7-FM and 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF. The outcome will be critical, not only for the team’s standings but also for Lee’s future role within the squad.
