BYU star Jaxson Robinson enters transfer portal

And there’s your big-time addition to the transfer portal to keep a very close eye on, folks. BYU star Jaxson Robinson, who is currently testing the draft waters, is officially available for Kentucky and Mark Pope.

The 6-7 guard who was named Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year in 2023-24 entered the portal on Saturday, immediately becoming a top priority for the Wildcats — though he says he’ll explore all of his transfer options.

“Although Coach Pope and I have a great relationship and had an amazing season this past year, it is important that I still explore what the best fit for me is,” he told ESPN. “My recruitment is still 100% open.”

Robinson averaged a team-high 14.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 26.4 minutes per outing this past season while shooting 42.6 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from deep (6.9 attempts per game), and 90.8 percent from the free throw line.

He’s still focused on the draft, but wants to keep all of his options open as he decides what’s best for his future.

“The reason I am entering the transfer portal is because of the new coaching change at BYU,” Robinson said. “I want to get to know Coach [Kevin] Young, but at the same time, I need to weigh all of my options. However, my primary focus is still achieving my longtime dream of playing in the NBA.”

The star guard started his college career at Texas A&M in 2020-21 but saw limited playing time for the Aggies. He averaged just 2.1 points and 1.1 rebounds in 9.8 minutes per game as a freshman across 14 appearances. The native of Oklahoma then transferred to Arkansas the following season, although his stats remained mostly the same: 3.4 points and 1.3 rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game across 16 appearances.

Robinson would find a home in Provo, breaking through with the Cougars as a starter in 2023-23 before emerging as a star this past season. He started his time at BYU averaging 8.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 28.1 minutes per outing with 30 starts in 33 total games. Then came his explosion in the program’s first season in the Big 12, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention accolades.

After BYU was knocked out of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Robinson talked highly of his relationship with Pope.

“I mean, Coach Pope has been a great coach. He’s helped me so much and mentored me,” Robinson told KSL Sports. “I couldn’t be here without him. He took a chance on me, and I’m forever in debt for that.”

Will Robinson be following his coach to Lexington? Pope certainly hopes so.