We all know how huge Jaxson Robinson‘s addition was for Kentucky and Mark Pope’s year-one goals in Lexington — he was the ultimate prize from day one, tying the group together with a bow. We know that, though, because we’ve been following this “living organism,” as Pope calls it, piece by piece under a microscope from the beginning. The national talking heads have had the entire college basketball landscape to worry about at the macro level, just now starting to get into the weeds of each individual team a week removed from the draft withdrawal deadline.

How did Robinson joining the fold change their thoughts on the Wildcats as a legitimate contender both in the SEC and nationally? ESPN broke down the significance of the BYU star’s inclusion and how the pieces fit together for Pope in his debut season at Kentucky.

“Perhaps Pope will bring back Calipari’s platoon system? Kidding. But Pope’s incoming transfer class — anchored by Robinson and Wake Forest standout Andrew Carr — is ranked fourth in the nation by EvanMiya.com,” ESPN’s Myron Medcalf, also a current KSR summer co-host, said. “An abundance of talent, however, doesn’t offer any guarantees. Calipari’s final years at Kentucky proved as much. But Robinson is a future pro who helped Pope a year ago as a reserve for BYU. The addition gives Pope options with his rotations and also gives him experience off the bench, which is something Calipari lacked in recent years at Kentucky.”

“Pope has clearly prioritized perimeter shooting in building his first Kentucky roster, and Robinson’s decision adds to a squad with a deep group of shot-makers at the guard and wing positions. It will be interesting to see how Pope hands out minutes,” Jeff Borzello added. “Kerr Kriisa (West Virginia) and Lamont Butler (San Diego State) are very different players at the point guard spot. Robinson will combine with Otega Oweh (Oklahoma) and Koby Brea (Dayton) to comprise a trio filled with size and shooting on the wings. And then there’s ESPN 100 freshmen Travis Perry and Collin Chandler, the latter of whom provides a different dimension off the bounce. Even with the rotation headaches, Robinson’s commitment puts Kentucky into the preseason top 25.”

There we go, a firm top-25 grade at the national level. That makes sense considering BYU finished ranked No. 18 by KenPom in the program’s first year in the Big 12 under Pope and this roster is inarguably better than that one.

How does it stack up in the SEC? The question of which conference title race was most impacted by the withdrawal deadline was posed to the ESPN panel, Medcalf immediately throwing Robinson’s decision in there as one that could shake up a league that was already “the race to watch.”

“The SEC was already the race to watch, but the returns of Mark Sears and Kentucky’s addition of Jaxson Robinson made the push for the 2024-25 SEC crown more competitive,” he wrote. “Alabama will enter the season as the favorite to win the conference title. But Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Arkansas are all contenders. And Florida added former Florida Atlantic star Alijah Martin to an intriguing Gators squad. Plus, Dre Davis joins Ole Miss after leading Seton Hall to the NIT title. The talent in the SEC only increased after last week’s deadline.”

Not a bad position to be in if you’re Mark Pope and the Wildcats.

Why Jaxson Robinson is such a big get for Kentucky

Those are just a few national expert opinions, but what about some go-to local guys? We’ve got you covered there, as well, as KSR’s Brandon Ramsey sat down with Steven Peake to explain why Robinson’s commitment is so significant for Pope and company in Lexington

Between the catch-and-shoot abilities and familiarity in Pope’s system at BYU, this one is a clear home run.