Kentucky basketball fans have high expectations for Jaxson Robinson, the BYU transfer who joins the Wildcats roster for the 2024-25 season. However, despite his potential, Robinson was notably absent from Jon Rothstein’s Preseason All-American teams, raising questions about how highly national pundits are evaluating his abilities.
Robinson, who averaged 14.2 points per game last season, comes to Kentucky with the potential to be a game-changer. He has the skill set, size, and athleticism to make a significant impact, but his exclusion from early All-American lists suggests he might still be flying under the radar. Meanwhile, Texas A&M guard Wade Taylor IV, despite being somewhat inefficient as a scorer last season, secured a spot on Rothstein’s list. Taylor is a solid player, but it’s not far-fetched to suggest that Robinson, if given the opportunity, could outperform him this season while being a more efficient scorer.
Robinson has all the tools to thrive under head coach John Calipari’s system, and he’s expected to take on an increased role in the Wildcats’ offense. While many national media outlets seem to have their doubts, Kentucky fans know the potential Robinson possesses. His combination of shooting ability and defensive versatility makes him a key piece in Kentucky’s lineup this season, and his role will likely expand as he gets more comfortable in Lexington.
While there’s no guarantee Robinson will make an All-American team by the season’s end, it wouldn’t surprise many if he did. His exclusion from the preseason lists may only serve as extra motivation. As the season unfolds, Robinson has the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong and establish himself as one of the top players not just on the Kentucky roster, but in the nation.