Mark Pope Reacts to Jaxson Robinson Signing with Cavaliers: “One of the Highlights of My Coaching Career”
Former Kentucky guard Jaxson Robinson is officially getting his shot at the next level, signing a contract to join the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2025 NBA Summer League team. While Robinson went undrafted, his path to the NBA remains very much alive, and no one is more excited than his former head coach, Mark Pope.
Robinson, who followed Pope from BYU to Kentucky for his final year of eligibility, impressed throughout the 2024–25 season before an untimely injury cut his campaign short. Despite the setback, his play left a lasting impact—and Pope made that clear in his reaction to the news of Robinson’s NBA opportunity.
“It has been one of the highlights of my coaching career to spend the last three seasons with Jaxson Robinson,” Pope said in a statement.
“He was playing the best basketball of his career before his season was cut short, and I’m ecstatic that he has earned this very well-deserved opportunity.”
Making the Most of His Final Year
Robinson averaged 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists during his lone season at Kentucky. A reliable shooter with a smooth stroke, Robinson had a knack for big moments perhaps none bigger than his 27-point performance with seven three-pointers in a win over Mississippi State. He hit the 20-point mark four times during the season and proved to be one of the Wildcats’ most consistent scoring threats.
Even more impressive was Robinson’s production against elite competition. In 11 SEC games, he averaged 14.4 points per game, shooting a scorching 46.2% from the field and 45.7% from three-point range all while facing defenses from what was arguably the toughest conference in the nation, with a record 14 SEC teams making the NCAA Tournament.
Proven Production at BYU and Kentucky
Before his stint in Lexington, Robinson starred at BYU under Pope, where he earned Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2023–24. That season, he averaged 14.2 points per game, becoming the first player in BYU history to lead the team in scoring despite coming off the bench. His consistent improvement and adaptability across different systems and conferences made him a unique, plug-and-play weapon at both stops.
Earning His Shot with the Cavs
Robinson becomes the fourth Wildcat from the 2024–25 roster to land a deal with an NBA franchise, joining Koby Brea and Amari Williams (both drafted in the second round) and Andrew Carr, another undrafted free agent.
Now, Robinson is set to compete in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where he’ll look to earn a roster spot with the Cavaliers. He’ll join a group that includes Cleveland draft picks Tyrese Proctor and Saliou Niang, along with Chaney Johnson and Denver Jones key members of Auburn’s Final Four team.
A Shot Worth Watching
Though his path to the league wasn’t straightforward, Jaxson Robinson’s body of work speaks for itself. A proven scorer, high-IQ player, and respected leader, he’s earned every bit of his NBA opportunity and his former coach believes it’s just the beginning.
“He’s ready for this moment,” Pope said. “And I can’t wait to see what he does with it.”
Leave a Reply