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Mark Pope calls it a “gift” to have BYU transfer guard Jaxson Robinson on his first Kentucky team. Robinson is the only player on the current 12-man roster to have played for Pope, who also came to UK after five years as BYU’s head coach.
Pope joked he would “bumble around” giving players instructions in summer practices and Robinson, the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year last season, would have to step in.
“He’s like, ‘All right guys, this is what he really needs, okay?'” Pope said about Robinson. “He’s a great interpreter. And not just an interpreter of words and concepts on the court but also double down on ideas like, ‘Hey guys that is really important. You’re going to hear this every single day for the rest of the season.'”
Robinson played for Pope the previous two seasons. He debated staying in the NBA Draft before deciding to transfer to UK.
Robinson and Pope obviously have a terrific relationship.
“Then there’s a lot of things where Jaxson is like ‘Ah don’t listen to him, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about,'” Pope said. “But he’s a pretty good distiller of information for us and also the vibe, the feel, the approach of the game.”
“He’s got a good sense of how we try to build a locker room and the things that are important to us in the locker room, and how we try to cultivate communication on the floor and he’s done a great job of being an example of that. He’s a really, really vital piece of that. It doesn’t hurt that he’s an NBA-caliber player. That always helps, too.”
26 Responses
Robinson might be a difference maker, but he is not the only one who’s been in the trenches. This team will compete, be tough, and be smart as a result of this experience. Chandler, Perry, and Noah will get the benefit of practicing with this group and playing with them, most likely in the pre-conference schedule. How often does any team have the fortune of having 9 starting quality guys come back for another year on the court together? Practicing against team La Familia won’t hurt things either. I know better than to have too high expectations for a group of guys who have never played together, but I think this team is going to be as special as the 39 – 1 team by season’s end. The advantage they will have is they have a coach who will be focused on winning No. 9, not getting a pet drafted.
This is all so refreshing. Much better than knowing what’s going to happen even before the season starts with Ole Swaggy.
I can’t wait for this season. If we make the big tournament in March and win a game or 2. Then I’m sure Perry and Noah come back. Pick up Malicahi and Jasper and we’ll be on our way to some fun.
Perry and Noah will be back regardless.
Perry & Noah are very special. National Champion Banner #9 is their goal.
Notice who’s watching from the sidelines. Perry and Noah. They know their role. This will be a learning year for both of them. They get to compete against all these upperclassmen. They will get clean up minutes this year and be ready for next year. I would definitely redshirt one of them if not both of them if the staff feels like they can’t help the team win this year. I’ve said this since they signed. Chandler will get the nod over both of them because he is more athletic. I think he can help on the defensive end a little more. I just don’t want them to waste a year when they can still practice against great players. I think we have a 9 man rotation with Chandler getting 5-10 mins a game. I remember someone on here was talking about them getting a lot of minutes because they can shoot the ball. They aren’t ready for the grind of the SEC and we have a tough non conference schedule. I doubt they play much. Why waste this year when they can be 2 of the best players in college ball their redshirt senior season. It’s not offense that will get them playing time. It’s defense and them being a liability on the floor to get burnt every time. They will be very good just give them some time they are playing against kids that are 5 years older than them. This what I’ve been telling people since they committed. I don’t understand how someone can think a kid not even in the top 100 in high school would play over a bunch of transfers who rank in the top 100 of college players. It don’t make sense. Teams don’t go 12 deep I’ve never in my life seen a team play 11 guys in a rotation. 10 is considered too much but I think we are sitting 10 deep with this team. Butler Oweh Jackson Carr and Garrison. With Brea coming off the bench first once the defense starts getting tired. Kriisa subbing in for Butler and Williams for Carr or Garrison. We are very deep. Fingers crossed that we get Hudson Greer in 2025. I would take him with Jasper Johnson and Malachi M. And Petersyn.
They should have redshirted Shepard, so he could play for a real coach this year. Maybe there is a Reed Shepard in one of the freshmen, and we just don’t know it yet😊
Perhaps I’m that ‘someone’ you referenced, who you wrote a lot of nasty childish comments about, when you ranted about this same topic.
There are actually quite a few on here who agree that Perry & Noah will prove the immeasurable value of genuine Kentuckians wearing the UK uniform.
When you got personal, instead of just sticking with basketball, you crossed the line and exposed yourself as someone who has to put others down to make you feel good.
Opinions are given on this board and only a few have tried to start an argument when they have a different opinion.
When someone is sitting on the sideline as a real coach and has experience as well as been successful, then opinions carry some weight. Otherwise, it’s just “another opinion” and it will be the real games which reveal the facts.
A lot of your posts were detailed and informative, but when you made personal attacks, you lost credibility. Others I am in touch with on this board agree with what I just wrote and have told me so.
Nice job Little Baron bleeding blue till I am dead and gone.
Way to go Little Baron!
Thanks a lot, Electrick!! I’m too old to get knocked around with insults, especially by someone who does not know the value of KY grown players!
I am not sure how anyone could pre judge the play of Noah and Perry which will be freshman. Either or both could be the next Reed S. I am excited about both these home grown talent. You know Cawood will be smiling down on Noah being Harlan Co. boys. I am very excited to see what Pope will do at UK. I think he will be another Pinto. To me Pinto is a top 5 NCAA all time coach, Go Big Blue
I agree, Bob! Great point.
I remember a coach who is now a HOG who had no respect for KY grown players. It’s not something to be proud of to pre-judge the highest scoring and 5th highest scoring players in KY HS history!
With you Bob — a year ago lot of doubters for Reed
Absolutely agree!!!
It’s Pitino.
wow what a world we live in now ,too much negativity. my take is this : I’m glad to see the local ky talent being a great thing for UK basketball, Also a coach who is about the game and legacy of KENTUCKY basketball. Remember UK won championships, both sec ,and NCAA, league championships too ,and btw put GREAT players in the NBA long before Calipari, so I’m looking forward to see the tradition of UK basketball playing to the standards of KY basketball..
Good attitude John
True Blue Fans know the value of KY grown talent. Anyone who can pass the record held for about 7 decades by the amazing King Kelly Coleman is a package of talent – all a part of how he scored so many with every player on opposing teams wanting to be the unique one to slow him down.
Really excited to have a coach who wants to win the conference and tournament, and do good in the NCAA tournament! Instead of a coach who is worried about the NBA draft, how fast he can get players in the NBA! Go KY, Go coach Pope! Finally something to get excited about!
Pope is Hope for sure James
Yes. Great to read more & more about the real UK BB already blossoming into a new era to achieve that which we were historically accustomed to when in the Finals ‘96, ‘97 & ‘98 with players recruited, developed & molded to win 2 Titles in 3 years. Pope will bring back those days!!!
UK is back!!!
EVERY game is very important & the BBN wants to win EVERY game!
Coach Pope wants to win EVERY game & it will show when he gives minutes to players who will play hard & smart & unselfish EVERY minute they are on the floor.
No one knows who will play or how many minutes each will get, but we do know it will be an HOMEST, UK 1st decision by an HOMEST & INTELLIGENT coach!
It’s Pitino.
Pitino 2 ✔️👍
Love pope to coach and have cal recruit, made in heaven
me too Ron