Jaxson Robinson rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion during Kentucky’s dramatic overtime victory against No. 7 Gonzaga on Saturday night. The Wildcats managed an incredible 90-89 win in a nail-biter that showcased their resilience and adaptability. Despite trailing by as many as 18 points, Kentucky rallied in the second half, making critical adjustments to turn the tide in their favor. Among these adjustments was Robinson’s pivotal move to point guard after an injury sidelined Kerr Kriisa.
The Wildcats were already operating without Lamont Butler, who missed the game due to an ankle injury. When Kriisa left the court during the second half, Kentucky found themselves in desperate need of a playmaker to step into the lead guard role. Robinson, known more for his scoring and defensive prowess, embraced the challenge, delivering an inspired performance. The junior guard tallied an impressive 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting, dished out 5 assists, and recorded 3 steals, all while showcasing a newfound comfort running the offense under pressure.
Head coach Mark Pope was effusive in his praise for Robinson’s standout performance. Reflecting on his growth as a player, Pope shared an anecdote from the previous season that underscored just how far Robinson has come.
“I’m insanely blessed to get to coach Jaxson for a third year. Watching players grow is the best thing about basketball. Last year, during a game against Oklahoma, Jax was forced to play point guard for us. After a rough play, he ran by me in transition defense and yelled, ‘I’m never playing point guard again!’ Fast forward a year, and here he is, logging five assists with zero turnovers and playing the point for the final eight minutes of regulation and the entire overtime under massive pressure. He’s special, man. What he’s done defensively in the last few games is breathtaking, and his toughness has been incredible. He even hit an insanely difficult shot in overtime. He was really special.”
Robinson’s poise and versatility proved critical in Kentucky’s ability to close out the game. His defensive contributions, highlighted by three steals, helped to stifle Gonzaga’s offensive rhythm, while his scoring and playmaking kept the Wildcats competitive in a high-stakes environment. The ability to seamlessly transition into a new role speaks volumes about Robinson’s growth and mental toughness.
With Kerr Kriisa expected to miss several weeks and Lamont Butler still recovering, Robinson’s role as a floor general is likely to continue. His performance against Gonzaga suggests he is more than capable of stepping up in the absence of key players, a promising development as Kentucky prepares for upcoming matchups, including a rivalry clash with Louisville on Saturday, preceded by a game against Colgate on Wednesday.
This victory not only marked a significant bounce-back for Kentucky but also underscored the team’s depth and adaptability. Robinson’s emergence as a leader at the point guard position provides a much-needed boost as the Wildcats aim to build momentum and maintain their standing as a formidable force in college basketball.