Jaxson Robinson didn’t need anyone to remind him of the expectations. The No. 17-ranked transfer in the country, a proven scorer at BYU, and the man Kentucky fans hoped would be "the guy" on Mark Pope’s rebuilt roster—Robinson arrived in Lexington with weighty expectations. But in Tuesday night’s loss to Duke, the 6-foot-7 wing’s stat line told a frustrating story: 1 point on 0-for-4 shooting, 1 rebound, 2 blocks, and 1 steal.
It was a far cry from the player who lit up Big 12 gyms last season or the one who tantalized scouts at the NBA Draft Combine with his size and shooting stroke. Through three games, Robinson is averaging just 7 points per game, shooting under 49 percent from the field and hitting only 25 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. The offensive spark Kentucky hoped for hasn’t ignited yet.
But Mark Pope sees a different story.
“We didn’t win without Jax because Jax is such an impact guy,” Pope said Thursday. “Talk about a gravity guy. You just throw Jax on the court, and four guys are leaning toward him. His numbers may not be huge, but he has an impact when he walks into the gym. He has an impact on the scout; he has an impact on all those things.”
Against Duke, Robinson’s offense wasn’t the headline, but his defense was. Robinson gave up just two points in his matchups all night, according to Pope—a remarkable feat considering the talent Duke throws at opponents. “He made huge defensive plays down the stretch,” Pope said. “He had some massive toughness plays. I was incredibly proud of him.”
Robinson’s offensive struggles are undeniable, but Pope remains steadfast in his belief that better days are ahead. “On the offensive side, there’s more ways he can grow, for sure, and he’s really hungry to do that. He’s an extraordinary offensive player. Sometimes, just the sheer gravity that you afford your teammates on the floor actually makes the biggest contribution.”
For Robinson, the road forward isn’t just about rekindling his scoring touch. It’s about learning how to shoulder the expectations that come with wearing Kentucky blue. And if his defense against Duke is any indication, he’s already proving that his impact can go far beyond the box score.
In Lexington, patience often runs thin, but Pope knows what he has in Robinson—a player with the potential to change a game simply by being on the floor. For now, the Wildcats will keep leaning on his gravity, trusting that the rest will follow
Jaxon Robinson struggled against Duke, or did he?
