Florida Gators duo lands on ESPN’s top newcomers list
Florida basketball’s incoming backcourt duo of Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee is already turning heads nationally. Compiled by Jeff Borzello, are featured in ESPN’s “Top-50 Impact Newcomers” list for the 2025-26 season.
Fland, a former 5-star recruit who transferred from Arkansas, landed at No. 15 on the list. Borzello noted that the reigning national champions gained a major boost when Fland decided to join Todd Golden’s program after testing the NBA Draft waters.
“Fland didn’t take long to commit to the reigning national champion Gators after withdrawing from the NBA draft — a much-needed development for Todd Golden’s team,” Borzello wrote. “Fland suffered a hand injury midway through last season, but the former five-star prospect was having a terrific freshman campaign at Arkansas, averaging 15.1 points and 5.7 assists over the first 18 games.”
Florida Gators Football Coaching Hot Board: 2.0
Lee, a transfer from Princeton, checked in at No. 42. The Ivy League standout averaged 16.9 points and 5.5 assists last season and is expected to share point guard duties with Fland.
“Before Fland committed to the Gators, Lee looked likely to be Florida’s point guard and Walter Clayton Jr.‘s replacement from Day 1,” Borzello wrote. “Now, Lee will split the playmaking duties with Fland, but both players are capable of playing on or off the ball.”
Top 10
- 1New
Lane Kiffin
Latest on Florida rumors
- 2
Jared Curtis
Vandy trying to flip UGA 5-star
- 3Hot
Nick Saban
Addresses coaching rumors
- 4
Diego Pavia
Vandy QB going at NCAA
- 5
Arkansas Coaching Search
Latest intel & names to know
Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
With both guards ranked among ESPN’s top newcomers, Florida appears well positioned to reload for another deep run. Fland’s dynamic scoring and Lee’s veteran presence should give Golden plenty of flexibility in the backcourt as the Gators look to defend their national title.
Talk about it with our premium members in the Swamp Talk message board, here.
Not a member of Gators Online?
CLICK HERE to join the Gators Online community! It’s the top place for passionate Florida fans to find the best insight and news in the market.
Boasting a talented collection of experienced journalists, we dig deep into recruiting and provide breaking news and analysis on UF sports.
SIGN UP for the GatorsOnline Newsletter — Receive Breaking News, In-Depth Analysis via Email!
