BYU transfer Jaxson Robinson is withdrawing from the NBA draft and has committed to Kentucky, he told ESPN on Thursday, giving the Wildcats one of the top players available in the portal.
Robinson delayed his NBA draft decision until Wednesday's midnight deadline, but after withdrawing his name, he didn't spend any more time thinking about a college decision: He'll follow coach Mark Pope to Lexington.
The 6-foot-7 wing attended the NBA draft combine and was ranked 66th in ESPN's NBA draft rankings, but was not a lock to be selected.
Robinson now has a chance to be the go-to guy on what should be a preseason top-25 team in Pope's first season. He is the ninth transfer addition this spring, as Pope took over a roster with no returning players and only one committed recruit. He will likely operate on the wing alongside Oklahoma transfer Otega Oweh and Dayton transfer Koby Brea, leading the way for one of the best shooting teams in the country.
He was one of the biggest stars in the Big 12 last season. Despite starting only six games, she averaged 14.2 points per game and shot 35.4% from 3-point range. He was named Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year and earned All-Big 12 honorable mention.
Robinson reached the 20-point mark five times, including three times in a five-game span in November and December, capped by a 28-point effort against Denver in which he hit eight 3-pointers. He scored 25 points and made five 3-pointers in BYU's NCAA Tournament loss to Duquesne.
After failing to find a consistent role during his first season at Texas A&M or his second season at Arkansas, Robinson transferred to BYU to play under Pope. He started 30 games in his first season with the Cougars, showing ability as a perimeter shooter with great size for the position.
Robinson is ranked 17th in ESPN's transfer rankings.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analysis service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.
