Jaxson Robinson Grateful for "Life-Changing" Experience at Kentucky

His last college basketball season did not have the ending he probably hoped for, but Jaxson Robinson was glad he spent it at Kentucky.

“It was life-changing, honestly,” a disappointed Robinson said in the Kentucky locker room at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“I grew up watching the other greats come through here and build up their legacy. Man, it’s been a ride. The people in this locker room, the people I build relationships with, that’s gonna last a lifetime. I’m just trying to soak it all in.”

It was a ride filled with ups and downs, and it was one Robinson was unsure would even happen. The 2024 Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year nearly chose to play professional basketball this season. Instead, he followed Mark Pope from BYU to Kentucky. Pope gave Robinson a second chance early in his career, and the sensational shooter is happy he saw it through for one more college basketball season.

“I don’t even know where to start, to be honest with you. He took a chance on me. Being here in this locker room around these guys, to have this jersey on, to be able to say I’ve played for the University of Kentucky, I can’t thank anybody else but Mark Pope. I know this isn’t the end all be all for our relationship. We’re still going to talk on a daily basis. That’s my guy forever. Looking back on all of the memories we had, I can’t be anymore thankful,” said Robinson.

READ: How Mark Pope and a very good dog saved Jaxson Robinson’s basketball career

Robinson Learned Through Adversity

It took a little time for Robinson to get comfortable in a Kentucky jersey. He broke through by primarily playing point guard when a rash of Cats got injured in the Gonzaga game. By SEC play, he was regularly scoring 20+ points per game, highlighted by a 7-three-point performance at Mississippi State.

He was hitting his stride at the right time when he suffered a wrist injury in practice. Robinson tried to play through it, but it ultimately sidelined him for the six weeks of the season. Despite the devastating setback, he kept his head up and learned valuable lessons.

“Figuring out ways to still be effective, ways to be a leader. That’s where my head’s been at the last few weeks. I’m trying to grow as a person, honestly. Sometimes, things happen. I went down pretty early, but I showed my teammates and my coaches how much I care. I just wanted the best for them,” he said.

Robinson learned that from his teammates. Nothing came easily for this group of Kentucky Wildcats. They showed resiliency and fought through adversity until the final clock struck zero.

“I don’t think anybody expected much of us with a fresh team, with a new coach, new coaching staff, all of the injuries. All of the fight we put up throughout this whole season and the progress we made individually and as a team, it’s really been great to see.”