Witness the Rise of a Basketball Phenom
Basketball Bloodlines
Jaxson Robinson's life has been intertwined with basketball since birth. His mother, aunt, and grandmother were All-Americans, and he showed a natural knack for scoring at a young age. Even as a toddler, he shot a ball with perfect form. Growing up, he trained with his mother and aunt, learning the game from the ground up and emphasizing fundamentals.His grandmother, Nancy Robinson, was a star at Murray State College, known for her offensive skills and defensive tenacity. His mother, Brandi Robinson McWilliams, was a Division II All-American and a tough defender. And his aunt, Crystal Robinson, was one of the most efficient offensive players in the WNBA, leading the New York Liberty to three Finals appearances.
False Start
In high school, Jaxson established himself as a top prospect, committing to Texas A&M. But the pandemic robbed him of a true freshman experience. At Texas A&M, he faced challenges due to COVID outbreaks and played in only 14 games.After reclassifying and transferring to Arkansas, he had a slightly better season but still faced uncertainties. Leaving Arkansas was a difficult time for him, as he questioned his ability as a player.
Roadblock
Jaxson's college career took another turn when he transferred to BYU. Leaving the SEC for the West Coast Conference was a new path, and it took time for him to open up to his new coaches and teammates.With the help of his roommate, Rudi Williams, and his coach, Mark Pope, he started to find his footing. In his second year at BYU, he became a key player, averaging 14.2 points and leading the team in scoring as a bench player.
Breaking through
The summer of 2023 was a turning point for Jaxson. He got a dog, Astro, which helped him stay sane during the off-season. His focus on growing his game intensified, and he became a more well-rounded player.On the court, he had a breakout season, averaging 8.5 points and 2.9 rebounds in his first year at BYU and then averaging 14.2 points in his second. He also made significant improvements on defense, becoming a key contributor on that end of the court.
Surprise Twist
Mark Pope was named the head coach at Kentucky, and Jaxson was faced with a new decision. He declared for the NBA Draft but also entered the transfer portal, considering his options.After training for the NBA Draft Combine and getting feedback, he decided to return to college. This decision was a big one for him, as he was ready to take on a new challenge and lead Kentucky.
Ready to Lead
As one of nine transfers on Mark Pope's first Kentucky team, Jaxson was expected to lead from the start. He has embraced this role, helping his teammates learn Pope's system and becoming a vocal leader on the court.His performance in big games, such as the Champions Classic against Duke, has shown his growth as a player. Despite a rough shooting night, he was outstanding on defense and showed his ability to lead in tough situations.
Full Circle
With SEC play approaching, Jaxson is facing new challenges. But he is surrounded by his dog, Astro, and his team, and he is ready to make the most of every moment.Thanks to his hard work and the support of his family and coaches, he is living out his dream. And as he looks back on his journey, he realizes how far he has come and how much he has grown.