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Jaxson Robinson named to preseason watch list for Naismith Trophy – Can he be the next Wildcat to win this award?

If Robinson could win this coveted trophy, he'd be the third Wildcat to do so.
ByMark Knight|
Oct 29, 2024; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaxson Robinson (2) smiles after making a three-point basket during the first half against the Minnesota State Mavericks at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Oct 29, 2024; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaxson Robinson (2) smiles after making a three-point basket during the first half against the Minnesota State Mavericks at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

The Naismith Trophy Awards announced its official preseason watchlist, which includes 50 potential college basketball award winners. Kentucky's one player on the list was Jaxson Robinson. The award is given to the top college basketball player every year.

Robinson would be the third Kentucky player to win the award, joining Anthony Davis (2012) and Oscar Tshiebwe (2022). He was also featured in the preseason watchlist for the Julius Erving Award which is given to the top small forward in D1 basketball. This award is only in its 11th season.

At BYU under Mark Pope, Robinson was the Big-12 sixth man of the year and one of the most efficient and electric scorers in all of college basketball. He projects to start for the Wildcats this year and has been through both exhibition games. He also was the leading scorer in both games posting 19 in the first game against Kentucky Wesleyan and 24 against Minnesota State.

He knows the system Mark Pope is running and has found a quick groove this year in each preseason game. He is playing more confidently and poised than he ever has, and he knows this could be his breakout year.

What's next after the preseason watchlist is announced for these awards? According to Kentucky's official press release:

"The Naismith Award club board will release a midseason list of 30 candidates for its Player of the Year honor, before four finalists are eventually voted on by a committee of coaches, administrators and journalists. The winner, based on player performances throughout the season, will be named in early April. The Julius Erving Award list will narrow down to 10 players in early February, with the final five being announced in March. The award winner will be revealed at the Final Four in San Antonio."

If Robinson turns it on in the season and lights up the scoreboard, he will continue to see his name on these lists as the awards narrow down. For now, let him have his fun. I'll leave you with this:

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