It’s the reunion Mark Pope has waited five years for. The Kentucky Wildcats appear set to land former BYU star Jaxson Robinson — the very player Pope aimed to sign back in 2020 when Robinson was a top-100 prospect coming out of high school.
Robinson, a 6-foot-7 shooting guard known for his perimeter shooting and length, played a crucial role under Pope at BYU during the 2023–24 season, where he averaged 14.2 points per game and led the Cougars to a strong showing in the Big 12. After declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft but opting to maintain his college eligibility, Robinson entered the transfer portal — and Pope immediately took action.
The two share a strong relationship, dating back to Pope’s early attempts to bring Robinson to BYU in 2020. At that time, Robinson instead committed to Texas A&M and later had stints at Arkansas and finally BYU, where Pope’s system brought out the best in him. Now, with a spot open on Kentucky’s roster, the stars have finally aligned.
Mark Pope took over as Kentucky’s head coach in 2024 following John Calipari’s departure. Since then, he’s focused on blending elite talent with seasoned veterans who understand his system. Few players fit that mold better than Robinson, who brings experience, scoring ability, and familiarity with Pope’s coaching style.
The move is being seen as a major boost for the Wildcats’ backcourt depth heading into the 2025–26 season. Robinson’s ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and lead both on and off the court could be pivotal as Kentucky aims to return to national prominence.
An official announcement is expected within days, but inside sources say the deal is all but done. For Mark Pope, it’s not just another transfer — it’s a homecoming five years overdue.
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