The collegiate basketball journey of Jaxson Robinson is a testament to perseverance, self-discovery, and the profound impact of finding the right fit at the right time. For many years, he was a talented prospect bouncing between high-major programs, struggling to find consistent minutes and a defined role. He was, in many ways, a journeyman. But in his final chapter at college, most notably at BYU under Mark Pope and then transitioning with him to Kentucky, Jaxson Robinson truly discovered his game and his purpose, transforming from a wanderer to a leader, poised for the next level of his basketball career.
Robinson’s path through college basketball was anything but linear. A four-star prospect coming out of high school, he was initially a highly sought-after recruit. He began his collegiate career at Texas A&M in the 2020-21 season, playing in 14 games as a freshman, mostly in a reserve role. Seeking a different opportunity, he then transferred to Arkansas for his sophomore year (2021-22). While he made four starts for the Razorbacks, his playing time remained limited, averaging just 3.4 points per game. After two years in the SEC, with glimpses of his potential but no sustained breakout, Robinson found himself once again in the transfer portal, perhaps questioning his trajectory in the sport.
It was his decision to transfer to BYU in 2022 that marked the true turning point in his collegiate career. Under the guidance of then-Cougars head coach Mark Pope, Robinson began to blossom. In his first season at BYU (2022-23), he earned a starting role, appearing in 30 of 33 games and leading the team with 61 three-pointers made, averaging 8.5 points per contest. This was the first time he truly found consistent playing time and demonstrated his capabilities as a versatile scorer.
The 2023-24 season at BYU, his senior year there, was his definitive breakout. Despite moving to a sixth-man role, Robinson thrived, becoming the first bench player in program history to lead the team in scoring, averaging a career-high 14.2 points per game. He shot efficiently from the field (42.6%) and a respectable 35.4% from three-point range, sinking 81 triples—the 11th-most in a single season in BYU history. His outstanding play earned him the prestigious Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year award and an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. He put up a career-high 28 points against Denver and notably scored 25 points in BYU’s NCAA Tournament opening-round game against Duquesne, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage.
This was the period where Robinson truly discovered his game. He honed his perimeter shooting, became adept at creating his own shot, and demonstrated a versatile offensive skill set. But more than just the statistical leap, he found his purpose. As a seasoned veteran in a new role, he embraced being a leader, guiding the Cougars to a successful season and an NCAA Tournament appearance. He wasn’t just a scorer; he was a calming presence, a go-to option, and a reliable force for BYU. He has publicly stated that Mark Pope “took a chance on me” and helped him “rediscover his love for the game.”
The unexpected departure of John Calipari from Kentucky and the subsequent hiring of Mark Pope created an unprecedented scenario in college basketball. With an entire roster to rebuild from scratch in a matter of weeks, Pope turned to players he knew and trusted, and Jaxson Robinson was at the top of that list. Despite being eligible to enter the NBA Draft after his stellar BYU season, Robinson made the pivotal decision to follow Mark Pope to Kentucky for his final year of college eligibility (2024-25). This decision underscored the deep trust and loyalty he had developed for Coach Pope, who had been instrumental in his transformation. The allure of playing for a storied program like Kentucky, combined with the significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities available (Kentucky is known for its robust NIL collective), certainly played a role in his choice to return to college for one more season.
At Kentucky, Robinson was expected to be a critical component of Mark Pope’s inaugural roster, bringing veteran leadership, shooting, and a versatile offensive game. He started all 24 games he appeared in for the Wildcats, averaging 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting 37.6% from beyond the arc on a high volume of nearly 7 threes per game. He scored in double figures in 17 games and led the team in scoring four times, with a season-high 27 points (including a career-best seven three-pointers) against Mississippi State. He showcased his ability to adapt, even playing significant minutes at point guard during a period of injuries for the Wildcats.
Unfortunately, his final collegiate season was cut short by a wrist injury suffered in mid-February 2025, which he tried to play through but ultimately required season-ending surgery. This was a bitter ending to what was shaping up to be another impactful season. Despite the setback, Robinson’s maturity shone through. He remained engaged with the team, even taking on an informal “assistant coach” role from the sidelines during the NCAA Tournament run, offering insights to Coach Pope and mentoring younger players. This demonstrated his deepened purpose and commitment to the team, even when he couldn’t contribute on the court. He described his experience at Kentucky as “life-changing,” highlighting the relationships he built and the growth he experienced.
Jaxson Robinson’s journey from a high school star to a college journeyman at Texas A&M and Arkansas, to a breakout leader at BYU, and finally to a veteran presence at Kentucky, exemplifies the modern college basketball landscape. His ability to adapt to new environments, embrace different roles (from starter to Sixth Man of the Year), and ultimately find a coach who truly understood his game, allowed him to unlock his full potential. He didn’t just discover his game – the consistent shooting, the offensive versatility – but also his purpose as a leader and a mentor.
Although he went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, his impressive collegiate resume, particularly his last two seasons under Mark Pope, earned him an Exhibit-10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is a testament to his persistent growth and the belief that he can still contribute at the professional level. From a player searching for a home to a confident leader leaving a lasting legacy, Jaxson Robinson’s final chapters in college basketball were transformative, showcasing a player who not only found his game but also his true purpose.
