Mark Pope not expecting Jaxson Robinson to play vs. Tennessee

Jaxson Robinson was a game-time decision ahead of Kentucky’s win over South Carolina on Saturday. The fifth-year guard ultimately toughed it out and played 20 minutes, but his status on Tuesday against Tennessee is in doubt.

During his weekly radio call-in show Monday night, head coach Mark Pope snuck in a line that will be a bit concerning to the Big Blue Nation. When talking with Tom Leach about having Lamont Butler and Andrew Carr back and feeling healthier, he didn’t profess the same optimism for Robinson.

“Looks like we’re not gonna have Jaxson Robinson tomorrow,” Pope said. “But we’ll kind of see how things pan out tomorrow, game-time.”

Robinson was dealing with a right wrist injury he suffered during Friday’s practice. Pope explained an incidental collision with Brandon Garrison caused the issue, which Robinson is apparently still dealing with days later. Despite the injury, he finished with six points, five rebounds, and four assists in Kentucky’s 23-point win over the Gamecocks. Robinson was spotted multiple times in that game favoring his wrist.

“I’m hopeful that we’ll see Lamont again tomorrow,” Pope added later in the show when Leach asked to clarify. “I think there’s equally as challenging a chance to get Jax on the floor but I also believe in miracles. But we’ll see how it goes with Jax. It’s gonna be touch and go with those few guys for the next few weeks.”

Robinson was key during Kentucky’s upset of Tennessee in Knoxville a couple of weeks ago. If he’s unable to go, it’ll be another next-man-up opportunity for the Wildcats’ bench. The 6-foot-7 guard is averaging 15.1 points per game against SEC opponents on shooting splits of 46.4/47.4/72.2.

The SEC will release an Availability Report later this evening with an official ruling on Robinson’s status for Tuesday’s matchup against the Volunteers.