Xaivian Lee talks breakout performance, working through slump

Florida guard Xaivian Lee broke out of his shooting slump with a 20-point performance in a Friday win over Providence at the Rady Children's Invitational.

Lee went 7-of-16 (43.8%) from the field and 4-of-9 (44.4%) from 3-point range with seven rebounds and four assists.

The sophomore guard’s breakout came with an emotional lift. After weeks of poor shooting and visible frustration, Lee spoke openly about finding his confidence and the collective spark that carried Florida through a much-needed, bounce-back win.

He also talked about the success of Urban Klavzar off the bench and the backcourt's overall approach, knowing the team was without Alex Condon.

Here's everything Lee said after the win:

On win over Providence

"I thought myself, as well as the entire team, played with joy and we had fun out there. That's what we've been trying to do, but saying we're going to do and doing it are two different things. So I thought I had a lot of fun out there today.

"I thought we were all playing with joy, and I think it just lets us play really well and have a good time out there. Just not thinking too much."

On confidence returning

"I feel like I've just been waiting on that for so long. Every game is like this is the game and then — whatever. I'm happy. A couple of them dropped today, and I think that kind of opens up my whole game a little bit when I'm making shots. I got loose in the second half.

"My teammates were finding me too. Like getting loose on screens, getting downhill. Urb and Boog were making a lot of shots, too. So, they spaced the floor.

"I think so far we've been playing at our floor. Like, we're always going to bring the energy, our bigs are going to be amazing. But I think when you know, us as guards are all playing really well, I think that raises our ceiling. So, I think that's like a glimpse of how good we can be as we keep everyone consistently getting comfortable playing together."

On working through the struggles

"It's been rough. Been in a dark place just trying to figure it out. Honestly, I've just been trying to focus on my process and not get too result-oriented, you know? I mean, basketball means everything to me, and I see what everyone says and all that. I'm my own biggest critic, so it's just been really rough for me.

"But, my teammates love me, my coaches love me, and that's all that matters. So for me, I just have been trying to, just focus on next game and wait till I kind of get my little momentum break out. I'm very grateful that happened a little bit today, and we got some big games coming up. So, I'm happy to kind of get that monkey off my back and play well the rest of the season."

On making the defender fall before hitting a 3

"Yeah, I mean, I think it was just a regular move. I think he tripped, honestly, I don't think it was anything to do with me. I don't think it was special. Maybe that was my moment to get me going a little bit. So, I'm thankful for that."

On winning without Alex Condon

"Condo's so important to our team and everything he does. His presence, obviously, his production. We knew we'd have to be a lot more physical without him, especially as guards. We're playing three bigs a lot of the time — this was three guards. So, there's a big emphasis on rebounding and making sure we got our yard, and I think we did a pretty good job with that.

"Everyone had to step up a little bit. I thought we did a good job today."

On Urban Klavzar keeping the backcourt afloat

"Urb's been playing amazing. He does it every day in practice, and he's a sniper. So, I'm happy he's doing well in games. Obviously, he's giving us a great lift when he's knocking shots, and that makes us so much better as a team. So I'm happy for him."

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida basketball guard Xaivian Lee post-game quotes vs. Providence