umbrellaman
Masters Student
Posts: 476
Reg: 11-21-04
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04-05-24 07:17 PM - Post#367068
https://x.com/wojespn/status/177638 6647157862465?s...
This is nuts. He’s not physically ready for the NBA. He needs to bulk up not to wear down in division I.
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TigerFan
PhD Student
Posts: 1892
Reg: 11-21-04
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Re: Lee declares for draft
04-05-24 07:26 PM - Post#367069
In response to umbrellaman
I agree completely, Umbrellaman. He is a great talent but he faded at the end of the season, which I assume was due to being worn down (and extended illness, which could be related to the first issue).
I really, really hope that he stays at Princeton two more years, bulks up, helps take the Tigers to another level and then tries for the NBA. I assume there is a strategy here. Does this help him gain exposure to pull off an endorsement deal?
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TigerFan
PhD Student
Posts: 1892
Reg: 11-21-04
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04-05-24 07:36 PM - Post#367070
In response to TigerFan
According to Kyle Franko, Xaivian has until June 16 to decide whether to return to school or stay in the draft.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Re: Lee declares for draft
04-05-24 07:51 PM - Post#367071
In response to TigerFan
I assume there is a strategy here. Does this help him gain exposure to pull off an endorsement deal?
That's part of it. An announcement from Woj himself tells me this is a (great) PR move. I also noticed he signed with Tosan's agent, George Langberg. But it's mostly about meeting with NBA teams and getting feedback.
On paper, this is the right move for Xaivian - get NBA feedback on what he needs to work on for this season (defense? midrange? physique?), then ride a great March 2025 to a 1st round pick in June 2025.
I'm 99% sure he'll return for his junior year, but to me, this confirms he's probably gone after that, which I speculated earlier in the year, but still... wow.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Lee declares for draft
04-05-24 07:52 PM - Post#367072
In response to gokinsmen
To help settle anyone's stomach...
https://twitter.com/NJHoopsHaven/status/1 776388384...
Jerry Carino @NJHoopsHaven
This was expected. High likelihood Lee will be back at Old Nassau next season.
While I won't be 100% at ease until he's officially back, I think it's amazing that an Ivy soph is getting this kind of attention. It's the kind of thing that appeals to recruits who think they can't go to NBA from the Ivy.
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umbrellaman
Masters Student
Posts: 476
Reg: 11-21-04
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Re: Lee declares for draft
04-05-24 09:20 PM - Post#367073
In response to gokinsmen
Armond Hill came back to get his degree after his NBA career - although he also made it to his senior season.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Re: Lee declares for draft
04-05-24 10:45 PM - Post#367076
In response to umbrellaman
Breathing yet another sigh of relief:
https://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2024/04/...
“I think it was the smart thing to do,” Lee told The Daily Princetonian in an interview. “Not necessarily leaving for the NBA, but testing the waters and seeing where I’m at against that level of competition … That is ultimately how I can get better and set myself up for the future.”
“That was the important part of it [maintaining my eligibility],” Lee added. “I’m entering this process … open-minded and I have intentions of coming back to school for sure."
Again, it seems he's doing the common move of declaring for the draft for the exposure and feedback. I think Lee can be a 1st round pick if he has a "March Moment" next season and this is a great opportunity to see what NBA teams think he needs to work on most.
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SRP
Postdoc
Posts: 4919
Reg: 02-04-06
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04-06-24 04:35 PM - Post#367084
In response to gokinsmen
Yep. Not like entering the transfer portal.
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Penndemonium
PhD Student
Posts: 1903
Reg: 11-29-04
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04-17-24 02:13 AM - Post#367499
In response to SRP
I *think* that you can only enter and withdraw once from the NBA draft, so he won't be able to do this move again between his junior and senior season.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Lee declares for draft
04-17-24 04:38 PM - Post#367548
In response to Penndemonium
According to Wikipedia, you can withdraw twice.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eligibility_for_ the_...
That said, I expect Lee to stay in the draft after next season. It's clear that NBA teams have serious interest - he's not just a fringe prospect.
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PennFan10
Postdoc
Posts: 3590
Reg: 02-15-15
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Re: Lee declares for draft
04-19-24 10:11 AM - Post#367605
In response to gokinsmen
How is it "clear"? Is there anything in the public record from NBA evaluators that says he is a clear prospect? Isn't that why he declared? To find out their opinions? I have no opinion here, just wondering if I am missing some press about this.
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HARVARDDADGRAD
Postdoc
Posts: 2700
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
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04-19-24 10:36 AM - Post#367608
In response to PennFan10
I recall reports of NBA scouts at Princeton Men's games this season. Who else could they have been scouting?
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Lee declares for draft
04-19-24 02:15 PM - Post#367610
In response to HARVARDDADGRAD
Yep, after his dazzling non-conf, many NBA scouts started attending Lee's Ivy games. First one on record was his 33p/8r/7a game against Harvard (probably scouted Mack too). More followed. Lots of reports like this:
https://twitter.com/Richard37215662/statu s/1744382...
9 NBA scouts in to see him Saturday. 20 expected at Columbia.
https://twitter.com/_borisberic/status/17 564375172...
https://twitter.com/Richard37215662/statu s/1761396...
https://twitter.com/kj_franko/status/1776 388671865...
Also, an Ivy League sophomore doesn't sign with an agent and declare for the draft unless he's already heard from NBA teams.
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Bryan
Junior
Posts: 234
Loc: Philadelphia
Reg: 11-21-04
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04-30-24 02:23 PM - Post#367908
In response to gokinsmen
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic wrote an article with his 2024 NBA Draft Big Board on April 19th. Xaivian was #63 on his list.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Lee declares for draft
04-30-24 03:26 PM - Post#367911
In response to Bryan
Sounds about right. This site has him as a 2nd rounder this year and the 9th ranked PG in 2025.
https://nbadraftroom.com/xaivian-lee/
Seems like the best play for Xaivian would be coming back for one more season and shining in March. He could move himself into the 1st round with a monster junior year.
But it's certainly smart to introduce himself to NBA teams early on. Do a bunch of workouts, maybe earn a Combine invite.
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ToothlessTiger
Senior
Posts: 340
Age: 76
Reg: 03-28-15
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04-30-24 05:02 PM - Post#367916
In response to gokinsmen
I saw every one of his games last season, most in person. He is not ready for the NBA. If his game jumps next year as much as it did this year he will undoubtedly reach first round status. Just not yet.
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palestra38
Professor
Posts: 32884
Reg: 11-21-04
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Lee declares for draft
04-30-24 05:17 PM - Post#367917
In response to ToothlessTiger
I guess it's time to transfer to St John's---I'm only half saying that in jest. Doing the NBA workouts doesn't only expose him to the NBA scouts, but also to the NIL scouts.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Lee declares for draft
04-30-24 05:44 PM - Post#367918
In response to palestra38
The fact that Lee himself said that he plans on returning tells me he knows he's not ready. But it can't hurt to get feedback from NBA teams on what he needs to work on.
Lots of players declare for the draft and then withdraw. It's nice to know where you stand with NBA teams -- are you just another fringe prospect? Or do they honestly think you're 1st round material?
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PennFan10
Postdoc
Posts: 3590
Reg: 02-15-15
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04-30-24 06:15 PM - Post#367920
In response to gokinsmen
280+ have officially declared for early entry to the NBA draft (not including graduating seniors) that features 60 picks.
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HARVARDDADGRAD
Postdoc
Posts: 2700
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
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04-30-24 06:33 PM - Post#367921
In response to PennFan10
Better chance to be drafted than to apply to most Ivies for a spot in freshman class!
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iabhoops88
Sophomore
Posts: 108
Loc: Los Angeles
Reg: 01-26-13
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Re: Lee declares for draft
04-30-24 10:49 PM - Post#367926
In response to palestra38
I read somewhere that it is problematic for international students to participate in NIL deals unless all the work and payment is done in their home country.
Edited by iabhoops88 on 04-30-24 10:49 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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CM
Masters Student
Posts: 437
Reg: 10-11-18
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Re: Lee declares for draft
05-01-24 06:06 AM - Post#367929
In response to iabhoops88
International students are on student visas and if they were to get paid in NIL they'd need work visas, which are much harder to get.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Lee declares for draft
05-04-24 12:27 PM - Post#368118
In response to CM
Lee makes the G-League Elite Camp, but not (yet) the NBA Draft Combine:
https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1 786785236...
Tosan got the same treatment but earned a Combine invite after his Elite Camp showing. Xaivian stated his intent to return barring a crazy offer, so I think it's all but certain now that he's coming back. Being a potential late 2nd rounder isn't worth leaving Princeton early.
It'll still be a great experience to meet with NBA teams and play against other top players. But the best way to boost that draft stock is with a monster junior year and NCAA tourney run. It would be amazing to see Lee stay for his senior year too, but I'm under no illusions in that department.
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Tiger69
Postdoc
Posts: 2818
Reg: 11-23-04
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05-04-24 05:26 PM - Post#368124
In response to gokinsmen
Every time I see that there is a new post on this topic, I prepare myself for the worst. Please, Xavian. Another year.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Lee declares for draft
05-11-24 01:20 PM - Post#368296
In response to Tiger69
Live feed of Day 1 Elite Camp scrimmages:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpOpjL8UaTA
Lee is playing in the first game (#34 in black). In his first stint, he made 1-2 threes, got a steal, and got a couple more defensive stops. Looked very poised.
I'll probably watch the rest later. The G League channel eventually posts the entire video of scrimmages when it's over.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Lee declares for draft
05-11-24 03:36 PM - Post#368297
In response to gokinsmen
Lee had a lot of great passes (6 assists) and some nice defensive plays (knocked 3-4 balls loose). Teammates didn't always finish but he was a true PG (+17). A couple of highlights:
https://twitter.com/HoopIntelllect/status /17893551...
https://twitter.com/libaanstar1/status/17 893430097...
Lee barely shot (1-3, 5pts) with Boogie Ellis filling it up, but he was the floor general for his team in victory. He even got a postgame shoutout from his coach (00:30 mark):
https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/178 937635122...
"Our guards set the tone. Boogie Ellis out of USC and Lee from Princeton... like I said set the tone, running the offense."
I think Xaivian did well to show his all-around game on Day 1. Looking forward to him scoring a bit more tomorrow.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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05-11-24 09:20 PM - Post#368298
In response to gokinsmen
According to DraftExpress, Xaivian also tested well. Out of 45 players...
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C612PU-OIbg/
Princeton standout 20-year-old sophomore point guard Xaivian Lee had a productive day at G League Elite Camp in Chicago
- 3rd in the pro lane agility drill (10.48 seconds)
- 5th in the shuttle run (3.01 seconds)
- 11th highest maximum vertical (36.5 inches)
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1LotteryPick1969
Postdoc
Posts: 2280
Age: 73
Loc: Sandy, Utah
Reg: 11-21-04
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05-12-24 12:37 PM - Post#368301
In response to gokinsmen
Thanks for posting this. The 45 participants: how good are they? Doubt they are future first rounds picks. Would they be G league level?
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Lee declares for draft
05-12-24 01:36 PM - Post#368302
In response to 1LotteryPick1969
Short answer: pretty much. They'll probably end up in G-League and/or getting a two-way contract.
Long answer: NBA teams submit a list of 75 players they want to see at the NBA Combine. This year, the top 78 vote getters received Combine invites and the next 45 got G-League Elite Camp invites.
So it's possible that a few NBA teams might have an Elite Camp player in first round consideration, but they're definitely seen as a cut below the outright Combine invitees.
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gokinsmen
Postdoc
Posts: 3683
Reg: 02-06-10
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Lee declares for draft
05-12-24 11:24 PM - Post#368306
In response to gokinsmen
https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/178 985728677...
No Combine invite for Xaivian. There were only 5 invites this year and all were seniors/5th years. That said, I'm sure he impressed NBA teams with his playmaking and athleticism, matching up with guys 2-3 years older than him.
It seems certain now that he's coming back. With a great junior year and an NCAA run, he can play his way into the first round. That Sweet 16 run did wonders for Tosan's stock and Xaivian (and Caden) can do the same with another March moment.
Highlight from today: https://twitter.com/libaanstar1/status/17 897947697...
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1LotteryPick1969
Postdoc
Posts: 2280
Age: 73
Loc: Sandy, Utah
Reg: 11-21-04
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Re: Lee declares for draft
05-13-24 10:15 AM - Post#368315
In response to gokinsmen
For Jeremy Lin, high BAM scores did not translate to getting drafted. I hope things have changed since then.
BTW, I completely misjudged Lin when I saw him play, probably because Maddux was guarding him.
AVERAGE SPEED
Jeremy Lin: 16.66 mph
Derrick Rose: 16.60 mph
John Wall: 16.48 mph
Kyrie Irving: 15.67 mph
START SPEED
Lin: 13.93 mph
Wall: 13.25 mph
Irving: 12.64 mph
For Rose, BAM has only average speed data.
TOP SPEED
Lin: 18.85 mph
Wall: 19.30 mph
Irving: 18.74 mph
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HARVARDDADGRAD
Postdoc
Posts: 2700
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
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05-13-24 11:14 AM - Post#368317
In response to 1LotteryPick1969
I remember seeing Maddux guard Lin at Princeton. Maddux was a great athlete and just too big for Lin to maneuver around.
Same strategy is working for Indiana against the Knicks. Nesmith (6'6") is keeping Brunson from dominating - which is all that is needed with a depleted Knick's squad.
Amaker's early success at Harvard leveraged that strategy with larger defenders like Okolie (a 6'8" guard), Edosomwan and Kyle Casey. Other than Ajogbor, Harvard didn't seem to have impact defenders this year. It's so important, especially when the opposition relies on a particular player to create on offense. Maddux was certainly that weapon for Princeton. Conversely, Dartmouth stole a game against Harvard in 2015 by switching 5'9" Malik Gill to guard Wes Saunders. The quicker Gill prevented Saunders from backing him down and hitting his usual fall away jumper. Saunders made only 2 FG's (to go with 2 3's) and Harvard's offense sputtered, allowing Dartmouth (14-15 on the season) to steal a victory at Lavietes against an eventual 22-8 Harvard squad. That's coaching. This was the Harvard squad that beat Yale in a playoff and went on lose to UNC by 2 points on the back of Saunders (26 points).
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ToothlessTiger
Senior
Posts: 340
Age: 76
Reg: 03-28-15
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05-13-24 05:26 PM - Post#368328
In response to HARVARDDADGRAD
This post reminds me of the defensive job Tosan did against Poulakidas in ILT 2yrs ago. Still the best coaching move in a decade to my way of thinking.
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