What to Expect from Jaxson Robinson This Season
The BYU transfer aims to make a big impression in Lexington.
Zac Oakes, a seasoned journalist in Kentucky, focuses on University of Kentucky athletics, especially football and men’s basketball. After following head coach Mark Pope from BYU, Jaxson Robinson is expected to be a key player for the Wildcats this season.
Jaxson Robinson
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 192 lbs
Class: Graduate Student
Hometown: Ada, Oklahoma
Position: Guard
Recruiting Ranking: 4-star recruit, No. 67 overall, and No. 13 among small forwards in the 2020 class via 247 Sports Composite; 247 Sports rated Robinson as the 33rd best transfer this offseason.
Background
When Mark Pope left BYU to rebuild the Kentucky roster, fans wondered if any BYU players would follow him to Lexington. Jaxson Robinson, a key addition, did just that, making him an exciting asset for Kentucky.
Fans closely watched Robinson’s NBA Draft decision, especially after he led BYU to a 6-seed in the NCAA Tournament, defying expectations. After testing the draft waters, Robinson chose to return to college and join Pope at Kentucky.
Last season, Robinson led BYU in scoring, averaging just over 14 points per game while shooting 35% from three and nearly 91% from the free-throw line. Although BYU fell to Duquesne in the first tournament round, Robinson shone with 25 points and 5-11 shooting from deep. Other standout games included 23 points against NC State, 24 points with 6-8 three-pointers versus Fresno State, and 18 points in a road win over Kansas.
As Pope built his Kentucky roster, Robinson filled the need for a reliable scorer, thriving in Pope’s system with his ability to shoot off the dribble and make threes in transition. Beyond his perimeter shooting, Robinson also showed an ability to drive and finish at the rim.
Projected Role
Robinson fits Pope’s vision to complete Kentucky’s new-look team. His familiarity with Pope’s system adds value to a team adapting to new plays and teammates.
Expect Robinson to be Kentucky’s top scorer this season, someone Pope can trust in crucial moments. His exciting style and scoring ability could quickly make him a fan favorite in Lexington.