College basketball fans often look to standout freshman performances as a major highlight in the NCAA men’s tournament, but experience is usually what prevails during March Madness. This is particularly true when teams lose key players, and for No. 17 Kentucky, this reality has hit hard. The Wildcats were dealt a devastating blow on Saturday with the news that guard Jaxson Robinson will miss the remainder of the season due to a wrist injury that requires surgery. Robinson, who has been a vital contributor to the team this season, will be greatly missed during the crucial postseason stretch.
Robinson, the Wildcats’ second-leading scorer, had to sit out during Kentucky’s 94-78 loss to No. 1 Auburn on Saturday. He had aggravated an existing wrist issue earlier in the week, during the Wildcats’ slim 83-82 win over Oklahoma. The timing of this injury is especially unfortunate for Kentucky, as Robinson has played a key role in the team’s performance this season. His absence leaves a significant gap in the lineup, especially as the team approaches its final regular-season games.
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Over the course of 24 games this season, Robinson has been averaging 13 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His scoring ability and experience in high-pressure situations made him a key figure for the Wildcats. With the NCAA tournament fast approaching, Kentucky will now need to adjust without one of their most reliable players. The loss of Robinson, who was playing some of his best basketball, adds to the team’s growing list of challenges as they aim to make a deep tournament run.
Robinson’s college career has been anything but ordinary. Over the course of five years, he has played for four different schools: Texas A&M, Arkansas, BYU, and Kentucky. Despite the multiple transitions, he has found success at each stop. Notably, he was named the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year in 2024 while playing for BYU under coach Mark Pope, who now coaches him at Kentucky. Robinson’s ability to adapt and contribute to various teams speaks to his versatility and basketball IQ.
Kentucky’s next game is scheduled for Tuesday against LSU, marking the Wildcats’ penultimate regular-season matchup. With Robinson out for the remainder of the season, Kentucky will have to rally together to overcome this significant loss. As the team looks ahead to the postseason, they will need other players to step up and fill the void left by Robinson’s injury if they hope to make a deep run in March Madness.
