Kentucky basketball fans, it's time to talk about Jaxson Robinson

When Jaxson Robinson followed Mark Pope from BYU to Kentucky, the expectations were sky-high. Coming off a season as the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year and with NBA potential, Robinson seemed poised to become a cornerstone for the Wildcats. His familiarity with Pope’s system, combined with his athleticism and shooting ability, made him one of the most anticipated additions to Kentucky’s roster in the offseason. But as the 2024-25 season unfolds, Robinson’s journey has been anything but smooth.

A Statistical Decline

While Robinson’s minutes have increased to a career-high 28.2 per game this season, nearly every other major stat has taken a hit:

• Field Goal Percentage: Down to 40.8%, his lowest since his freshman year.
• Three-Point Percentage: A concerning drop to 30.0%, well below his career averages.
• Free Throw Percentage: While respectable at 81.8%, it's not the near-perfect shooting he displayed in previous seasons.
• Scoring: His 12.1 points per game represent a noticeable decline from his 14.2 PPG last season at BYU.

Despite seeing more time on the court, Robinson is struggling to make an impact. His shooting inefficiency is particularly glaring, as he was brought in to be a reliable scoring threat and a key component of Kentucky's offense. Instead, his volume shooting has been poor and his body language questionable.

Body Language and Confidence

Even beyond the stats, Robinson’s body language has become a talking point. By his own admission, he has appeared visibly frustrated on the court, often displaying slumped shoulders and a lack of energy after missed shots or turnovers. This has not gone unnoticed by fans, who had hoped to see Robinson take on a leadership role.

Effort Off the Court

To his credit, Robinson has been putting in extra work. He has been seen staying late after games, tirelessly working on his shot and trying to regain the rhythm that made him a star at BYU. However, the results have yet to materialize. Effort is not the issue—execution is.

A Different Perspective?

With Robinson’s struggles mounting, it may be time for Mark Pope to consider a strategic change. Could moving Robinson to the bench provide the reset he needs? Watching the game from the sidelines might help him see the flow of the offense differently, alleviate the pressure, and allow him to come back with a fresh mindset.

Robinson’s talent is undeniable, but his current trajectory suggests a mental reset might be as crucial as physical adjustments. The growth from his first season at BYU to his second was expected to show up in his third season in Pope's system; it has regressed badly instead.

The Bigger Picture

The Wildcats’ success this season hinges on their ability to maximize their roster's potential. For Robinson, this means finding ways to contribute beyond scoring. His defensive ability, rebounding, and playmaking could provide value even if his shot isn’t falling, but there has to be more concerted effort there.

Kentucky fans know the journey of college basketball is full of ups and downs. Jaxson Robinson’s struggles are a bump in the road, but with the right adjustments, there’s still time for him to turn his season—and perhaps his career—around. Whether from the starting five or off the bench, Robinson’s story at Kentucky is far from finished.

Mark Pope has a tough decision to make, but one thing is clear: Jaxson Robinson’s journey will be a key storyline as Kentucky continues its pursuit of success this season.