From Lexington to the League: Jaxson Robinson Signs NBA Deal with Cleveland Cavaliers Amid Rollercoaster Journey
Jaxson Robinson’s road to the NBA hasn’t been smooth—but it’s been unforgettable. After a winding college journey filled with both promise and adversity, the sharpshooting guard has officially signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, per Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress.
It may not be the glitzy draft-night moment he once envisioned, but make no mistake—Robinson is in the door. And knowing his story, don’t be surprised if he kicks that door wide open.
A Draft Dream Derailed—But Not Destroyed
Once viewed as a potential second-round sleeper, Robinson saw his NBA Draft stock plummet after a wrist injury prematurely ended his standout 2024 campaign. The injury, which flared up late in the regular season against Oklahoma, required surgery and ultimately kept him from fully showcasing his game during the pre-draft process.
Despite receiving an NBA Combine invitation and generating early buzz, teams grew cautious. The injury was a setback—but not a sentence. The Cavaliers clearly saw what many in college basketball already knew: when healthy, Robinson is a certified bucket.
BYU and Kentucky: A Tale of Two Stops
Robinson spent his final collegiate season lighting it up for Mark Pope, following the coach from BYU to Kentucky. At BYU, he was the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year, a lethal scoring option off the bench with a penchant for microwave scoring runs.
But it was his brief stint at Kentucky where he truly flexed his potential.
In just 24 appearances in a Wildcats jersey, Robinson emerged as the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging:
- 13.0 points per game
- 43.2% shooting from the field
- 37.6% from beyond the arc
Those stats only tell part of the story.
SEC Surge: When It Mattered Most, He Delivered
Robinson’s start in Lexington may have been lukewarm, but once SEC play began, he transformed into a bonafide scorer against elite competition. In conference play alone, he averaged:
- 14.4 points per game
- A scorching 45.7% from three
He had three separate 20+ point performances, the most jaw-dropping being a 27-point flamethrower game at Mississippi State, where he went 7-for-10 from deep.
Still, his most clutch performance didn’t come from his shooting stroke—it came from his grit and poise under pressure.
The Gonzaga Comeback: Robinson’s Moment of Brilliance
In a dramatic road showdown against Gonzaga, with key players like Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa sidelined, Robinson stepped into an unexpected role: primary ball-handler. And he didn’t just survive—he thrived.
With Kentucky trailing by 16 at halftime and the season on the ropes, Robinson sparked a comeback for the ages, tallying:
- 18 points
- 5 assists
- Countless clutch moments
The Wildcats pulled off a 90-89 overtime thriller, and Robinson’s performance that night became a snapshot of what he brings to the table: leadership, versatility, and an uncanny ability to rise when the lights are brightest.
Next Stop: The NBA — One Grind at a Time
Now armed with an Exhibit-10 deal, Robinson will get his first crack at proving himself in the NBA Summer League. If he makes waves there, he could earn a training camp invite and possibly lock down a spot on the Cavaliers’ regular-season roster.
If not? The G League awaits—a proving ground where countless undrafted underdogs have clawed their way to NBA stardom. And if anyone’s got the resilience to do it, it’s Jaxson Robinson.
A Message from Big Blue Nation: “We’ve Got Your Back”
Though his time in Lexington was short, Robinson left a lasting impact. BBN (Big Blue Nation) isn’t just watching his journey—they’re riding with him every step of the way.
Social media has exploded with support, encouragement, and belief in his next chapter. For many fans, Robinson symbolizes the kind of player who thrives on doubt, transforms adversity into fuel, and turns opportunity into legacy.
Final Word: The Story’s Just Getting Started
Jaxson Robinson may not have been called on draft night. But his name is still being written—in bold ink and defiant strokes.
He’s headed to the league. He’s battled back from injury. And now, he’s one summer away from turning a second chance into a career.
Don’t sleep on him.
Because if his past tells us anything… he wakes up on fire.
