Sports
Jaxson Robinson Shines Against Former Team Texas A&M
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Jaxson Robinson delivered a standout performance Saturday, scoring 27 points and hitting seven 3-pointers to lead the Kentucky Wildcats to a 95-90 victory over Mississippi State. The win marked Kentucky’s first true road victory of the season and showcased Robinson’s resurgence after a recent slump.
Robinson, a transfer from Texas A&M, will face his former team Tuesday night at Rupp Arena. The matchup holds personal significance for the Oklahoma native, who began his college career with the Aggies in 2020 before transferring to Arkansas and eventually landing at Kentucky.
“It was a rough experience,” Robinson said of his time at Texas A&M, which was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic. “But looking back now, I think it was something I needed to go through. It helped me build confidence and resilience.”
Robinson’s journey has been anything but straightforward. A top-40 recruit in the 2021 class, he committed to Texas A&M under coach Buzz Williams. However, the pandemic disrupted his freshman season, with the Aggies postponing eight games and finishing 8-10 overall. Robinson averaged just 2.1 points in limited playing time before transferring to Arkansas.
Now at Kentucky, Robinson has emerged as a key contributor. His 27-point performance against Mississippi State was one point shy of his career high and included a career-best seven 3-pointers. “He’s a big part of what we’re doing,” Kentucky coach Mark Pope said. “He’s been really good to close down his career.”
Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams, who recruited Robinson, praised the guard’s growth. “He’s a beautiful kid,” Williams said. “COVID was tough for everyone, including him. He’s a really good player and was a really good player when he was here.”
Robinson’s parents, who made the five-hour drive from Ada, Oklahoma, to College Station during his time at Texas A&M, have been a constant source of support. “They’ve always been there for me,” Robinson said. “It means a lot to have them in the stands.”
As Kentucky prepares to host Texas A&M, Robinson remains focused on the task at hand. “It’s just another game,” he said. “I’m grateful for the journey, but my focus is on helping this team win.”