LOOK: Jaxson Robinson makes his on-court return at the Joe Craft Center

Jaxson Robinson‘s Kentucky career and time as a college basketball player ended in tragic fashion, undergoing season-ending surgery on his wrist to open the month of March. He first suffered the injury during practice on Friday, Feb. 10, then missed four games before returning at Oklahoma — his homecoming game. After an uncomfortable first half, he sat out the second with his wrist on ice, only to discover further damage in follow-up examinations.

So close to the ultimate prize of suiting up with his teammates during postseason play, but so far. He had to transition from Kentucky’s second-leading scorer on the floor to a cheerleader on the bench with nothing left to give the game at this level.

His next appearance on a basketball court would be as a pro.

At the time of his surgery, Pope described the recovery as a three-month process, returning to live action in the late spring or early summer.

“It’s a three-month to 100% full recovery. So he’ll be good to go the first of June, the end of May, and continue on with his great basketball career,” he said.

Fast forward to mid-April, and Robinson is already back on the floor — right where he belongs in Lexington. His wrist brace is still on, but he’s putting in work at the Joe Craft Center, working one-on-one with student managers turning defense into offense.

Assistant coach Mikhail McLean shared footage on his Instagram story of Robinson taking part in a defensive drill, leading to steal at mid-court and a return finish at the rim.

It’s all left-handed, but goodness, there is a lot to love about it. For a kid who got his final postseason ripped away from him, you can’t help but enjoy seeing him back in blue and white with those Kentucky championship banners hanging in the background.

“The Comeback kid,” McLean wrote.

Take a look:

Jaxson Robinson is finally back on the court and preparing for the NBA Draft after his season-ending injury.

We’re rooting for you! 💙 pic.twitter.com/pECcPFXAlI

— Casey (@BleedBlueCasey) April 18, 2025

Robinson isn’t the only former Wildcat putting in work — it’s going to take a minute to get used to saying that about these guys. Amari Williams, back on campus after some time off after the NCAA Tournament, was also in the Joe Craft Center getting ready for the NBA Draft process.

Williams threw down a reverse slam, then put McLean in a blender for another drive and finish at the rim (joking, Coach), picking up where he left off after a dominant postseason and one-and-done campaign as a Wildcat.

“Good week back,” McLean added.

Amari Williams putting in work as he prepares for the NBA Draft. His ceiling is special.

Hoping he gets a real shot to show it at the next level. pic.twitter.com/6whnCsFl4F

— Casey (@BleedBlueCasey) April 18, 2025

The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 and Thursday, July 26 in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center.

Robinson and Williams will be joined by Koby Brea, Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr and Ansley Almonor as draft-eligible players this cycle while Otega Oweh is testing the waters, but expected back in Lexington.

We’ll see where their professional journeys take them in the coming months. Until then, we’ll enjoy seeing them suit up in blue and white just a few more times.

Stay as long as you’d like — you’re always welcome in Lexington.