The BYU transfer will look to shine in Lexington.
Following Mark Pope from BYU to Kentucky, Jaxson Robinson will look to be an impact player from the get-go for this Wildcats squad.
Jaxson Robinson
- Height: 6-foot-6
- Weight: 192 lbs.
- Class: Graduate Student
- Hometown: Ada, Oklahoma
- Position: Guard
- Recruiting Ranking: 4-star recruit ranked No. 67 overall and No. 13 among small forwards in the class of 2020 via 247 Sports Composite. 247 Sports ranked Robinson as the 33rd overall transfer this offseason.
Background
When Mark Pope left BYU to come to Kentucky and would be forced to completely remake the roster, many wondered if any players from BYU would end up in Lexington. Only one of those players made the leap to Kentucky, and that was a big get for Mark Pope.
Kentucky fans closely followed NBA Draft workouts and the decision deadline to hear about Jaxson Robinson, the talented guard from BYU who led the Cougars in scoring en route to a 6-seed in the NCAA Tournament when many projected they would finish near the bottom of the Big 12.
Robinson entered the draft to gain feedback from pro scouts, but ultimately decided to return to college and announced that he would transfer to Kentucky to play under Mark Pope.
Last season, Robinson was an impact player for the Cougars, leading the team in scoring at just over 14 points per game while shooting 35 percent from deep and nearly 91 percent at the free throw line.
Despite BYU being upset by Duquesne in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Robinson showed out, scoring 25 points and connecting on 5-11 three-pointers. Other notable performances from last season included 23 points in a win over NC State, knocking down 6-8 from deep in a 24-point performance against Fresno State, and scoring 18 points in BYU’s win at Kansas.
BYU’s Jaxson Robinson looks like one of the best shooters in college basketball through 10 games. Hit 8 3s in a win last night; now up to 44% 3P%, and ranks No. 1 in D1 in 3s made per-minute. The 6-foot-7 lengthy wing brings intriguing shot-making diversity. pic.twitter.com/Grz3dxeFj6
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) December 14, 2023
As Mark Pope was building his roster at Kentucky and looking for the final pieces, Robinson fits the need of a proven scorer, a role he will look to fill in Lexington. He thrived in Pope’s offense with his ability to shoot off the dribble and knock down threes in transition.
But Robinson isn’t just an outside shooter. At BYU, he displayed his ability to get into the lane and finish at the rim.
Projected Role
Robinson fit the mold for what Mark Pope needed to round out his first team at Kentucky. His familiarity with Pope and experience in the system bring a lot of value to a team learning the system for the first time and playing together for the first time.
Expect Robinson to be Kentucky’s leading scorer this season and a guy Mark Pope can go to when the team needs a crucial basket. I think he’ll be a fan favorite in Lexington for his exciting playing style and scoring ability.
Go Cats!