Kentucky was already in a good position as all four players who were testing the NBA draft waters withdrew ahead of the deadline, but the biggest win came as a transfer target was added to that group.
With the deadline set for May 29 at 11:59 pm ET, BYU transfer guard Jaxson Robinson went way beyond the deadline to officially announce his intentions next season. That was on Thursday afternoon when it was reported by ESPN insider Jeff Borzello that Robinson would be committing to Kentucky.
Robinson played two years at BYU for Mark Pope, averaging 11.4 points per game across 66 games. He was BYU's leading scorer last season at 14.2 points per game off of the bench.
“I mean, Coach Pope has been a great coach. He’s helped me so much and mentored me,” Robinson said earlier this year. “I couldn’t be here without him. He took a chance on me, and I’m forever in debt for that.”
Ever since he entered the transfer portal, a connection to Kentucky was evident. Not just because of the coaching connection, but also because of the need.
Kentucky needed a dynamic scoring guard in the backcourt who can make plays off of the dribble and be that go-to scorer. He showcased those skills no more than in the NCAA Tournament when he scored 25 of BYU's 67 points in their first-round loss. He had five of the team's eight made 3s as well.
He had five games with at least 20 points and 15 games with at least 15 points.
Kentucky has guards who can defend, pass and be secondary or third options. Not the go-to player that Robinson provides.
This was by far the biggest win for Mark Pope and the Cats this offseason. It was a major position of need and a player who was obviously very aligned with Pope and his system.
Kentucky now takes the next step in the SEC as well as nationally. There's no question this now becomes one of the best additions of the offseason among any programs nationally.